Upper respiratory infections (URIs) affect the respiratory tract in guinea pigs. If left untreated, a URI can progress to the lungs, leading to conditions like pneumonia. Early signs such as a slight sniffle, runny nose, or occasional sneeze can indicate a serious URI, and thus, should be addressed urgently.
URI Symptoms
Understanding the symptoms of respiratory infections in guinea pigs is crucial. A prompt diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment can be life-saving. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Crusty or gunky eyes / conjunctivitis
- Increased respiratory sounds, such as rattling or wheezing / heavy or laboured breathing
- Drooling
- Pale (or blue/grey) lips
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Weight loss
- Ruffled or dull coat
- Fever
- Depression, lethargy or hunched posture
- Head tilt (sign of middle ear infection)
The infection often starts with a runny nose and occasional sneezing. As it progresses, other symptoms like nasal discharge with a more stuffy nose, and heavy breathing may develop.
Guinea pigs are obligate nasal breathers, which means they exclusively breathe through their noses. If the nose becomes blocked, they will either have difficulty swallowing or be unable to swallow, depending on the level of congestion.
Without prompt intervention, a URI can rapidly lead to pneumonia, which can be lethal if untreated.
What causes respiratory infections?
Contrary to popular belief, shavings in your guinea pig’s bedding do not cause respiratory infections in guinea pigs. Although dusty or scented bedding may be an irritant and cause respiratory problems, infections are primarily due to bacteria and, occasionally, viruses.
Bacterial pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia is the most common form of respiratory illness in guinea pigs. They are particularly prone to respiratory diseases caused by the bacterias “Bordetella bronchiseptica” and “Streptococcus pneumoniae”.
Bordetella bronchiseptica
This highly contagious bacterium, often carried by rabbits and dogs, is also responsible for “kennel cough” in dogs. Guinea pigs can carry it without showing symptoms. Interestingly, rabbits who carry this bacteria rarely get an infection in contrast to guinea pigs who are more vulnerable.
Stress can increase the chances of infection in guinea pigs and younger guinea pigs are especially susceptible to these infections. The bacterium spreads via sneezing or coughing and contact with contaminated objects. It leads to inflammation of the lungs and airways, accompanied by mucus accumulation. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear can cause a head tilt, and inflammation of the uterus (metritis) can also occur due to the infection.
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Guinea pigs can carry this contagious bacterium without showing any symptoms. Stress, weather changes, new environments, inadequate vitamin C intake, and poor care can activate the infection. It spreads in ways similar to Bordetella and can infect the lungs, outer heart layers, and neck. In vitamin C-deficient guinea pigs, it can also cause severe joint infections.
Viral pneumonia (adenovirus)
This type of pneumonia is caused by a guinea pig-specific adenovirus targeting the respiratory tract. It’s important to note that this adenovirus differs from human adenoviruses and is specific to guinea pigs. Symptoms typically appear 5-10 days post-infection. Affected guinea pigs can become critically ill and may even suffer sudden fatalities. Newborns are particularly vulnerable, and the condition can be especially lethal for them.
Diagnosing URIs
To give your guinea pig the best chance of recovery and survival, it’s vital to consult a veterinarian as soon as you notice the first symptoms. Despite swift and appropriate treatment, the sad reality is that not all guinea pigs will recover.
During the diagnostic process, a veterinarian will typically examine your guinea pig, paying special attention to their heart, lungs and breathing patterns. Samples might be taken to better identify the cause of the symptoms. Additionally, x-rays or scans could be taken to provide a clearer picture of lung health. Such imaging techniques can reveal changes in lung tissues directly caused by the infection.
Treatment
If your guinea pig is displaying symptoms of a respiratory infection, it’s imperative to consult with a veterinarian. Only a veterinarian should determine the appropriate treatment, including the prescription of antibiotics. Administering medication without veterinary guidance can be harmful to your guinea pig.
Should the vet ascertain that the infection is bacterial, they will likely prescribe specific antibiotics tailored to the identified pathogen. Alongside antibiotics, administering probiotics can help maintain gut health, especially since some antibiotics might disrupt the normal gut flora.
Other potential treatments, based on the severity and causative agent of the infection, can include:
- Administering fluids for hydration
- Syringe feeding, if the guinea pig refuses to eat
- Oxygen therapy to assist with breathing
- Vitamin C supplementation
Prevention
To help protect your guinea pigs from respiratory infections, consider the following preventive measures:
- Hygiene: Maintaining a clean living environment for your guinea pigs is crucial. They are especially vulnerable to URIs in humid conditions, so ensure their habitat is dry. Regular cleaning helps prevent irritants like ammonia from urine buildup.
- Healthy Diet: Ensure your guinea pigs receive a diet rich in vitamin C. A deficiency in this essential nutrient can heighten the risk of infections.
- Avoid Stress: Stressors, such as rapid temperature changes, drafts, overcrowding, or pregnancy, can weaken a guinea pig’s immune system. Both young and older guinea pigs can be particularly susceptible to these stressors.
- House with their own kind: For several reasons, including potential health risks, guinea pigs shouldn’t be kept with rabbits. For instance, rabbits can carry the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria, which can be harmful to guinea pigs.
- Adopt or Buy Responsibly: If you’re considering adding to your guinea pig family, think about adopting from a reputable rescue centre. These centres perform thorough health evaluations before allowing guinea pigs for adoption. On the other hand, guinea pigs from some pet shops may come with a higher risk of health issues, including respiratory infections.
Much of this information has been gathered from the National Library of Medicine and the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
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