My guinea pig is breathing heavy, clicking, not eating. What's wrong?

Hello. I assume your previous veterinary visits resulted in x-rays, antibiotics, & a good assessment of diet & environmental conditions. If a dust free environment was not suggested, then change to something like Yesterdays News. If not, that is where I would start. Many young GPs can get a respiratory infection called Bordetella. Treatment involves using the antibiotics enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg once daily), & doxycycline ( 2.5 mg/kg every 12 hours ). Nebulization using saline & enrofloxacin may be very useful. Your veterinarian can recommend a protocol, but I like to do this 3 times daily for 10 minutes. Treatment with antibiotics & nebulization may need to be continued for as long as 21 days. I hope Thomas is feeling better soon. Take care.

Thanks for reaching out about Rocky. The described noise is likely a respiratory infection and he is feeling poor enough to stop eating. He needs to see a veterinarian to aid in diagnosis and treatment of the problem. Antibiotics are probably needed at the minimum. As this sounds serious, the sooner the better chance for recovery. Good luck.

I'm sorry to hear that Ben is so sick! Unfortunately, from what you describe it sounds like he is in very serious condition - these symptoms are signs of very severe illness that could be caused by almost anything. I would be concerned that he may die soon without immediate treatment, so I would recommend taking him to the vet right away to find out what's wrong and see if anything can be done to help him.

Thanks for reaching out about Buttercup. No all bacterial respiratory diseases are treated with the same antibiotics, and not all respiratory infections are bacterial (could be viral). No all respiratory signs are infectious, as heart disease can appear similar (but unlikely in a young guinea pig). If increased respiratory effort continues, additional treatment needs to be sought. Good luck.

Thanks for arching out about Hoke. These signs are general of pain. Possibilities include fractured limb, but also a urinary calculi/obstruction. A visit to a veterinarian today is highly recommended. Radiographs will probably be needed. This does appear to be serious. Good luck.

I am so sorry to hear this. Make sure you are supplying with vitamin C if you aren’t already. Also keep the cage very clean as the ammonia from urine is irritating to the respiratory tract. Of course if you can get any nutrition in him that would be helpful too. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

He may have a respiratory infection. This will need to be confirmed by your veterinarian after a physical exam. If necessary, the vet can dispense antibiotics. In the meantime, keep Carl warm and as stress free as possible. Keep the cage clean and limit dust and dander as much as possible.