[Gpdd] HEALTH Rodney's breathing problems

[Penny Charlesworth]

First of all, Annette, thank you for sharing the wonderful videos of Rodney. He is such a little character and obviously adores his slaves.

This may not be relevant to his breathing problems but let me tell you about my Truffle.

He came here to Piggyfriends when his previous owner could not look after him any more. When he arrived I noticed that his breathing was very laboured and noisy and his sides would heave. Suspecting heart trouble he had a check up at the Rodentologists, who could find nothing wrong with him. His lungs were clear and he had no sign of an infection.

Not sure how to proceed I started to give him some dandelions every day as these are a natural diuretic and even if there was no problem with his heart at least they could do him no harm. He loves them and although, compared to a normal piggy, his breathing is still noticeable, the heaving sides diminished greatly.

He is very active for an elderly gentlepig and loves both his food and the girls in the next pen. I had him checked again recently and was told that his heart rate is slower than normal and he seems to be otherwise healthy. The Rodentologist said that some piggies make a snoring noise when they are very relaxed and Truffle is certainly a very laid back piggy as I should imagine Rodney is too.

Years ago I had a piggy called Rowan, whose snoring could be heard in the next room but he lived to be 7 without a day's illness in his long life.

There is a possibility that Rodney could have a little polyp in his nose, which could cause the noise.

You could also try putting a little Vick on his nostrils and see if that makes any difference. Put some on his front paws too and he can inhale the vapour when he is asleep.

Penny and the Piggyfriends.