[Gpdd] HEALTH. URI meds not working?

[Penny Charlesworth]

Hi Abbie,

Please ask all the questions that you need. We are all here to help one another.

I hope that, by now, you will have received some replies from members in the US. The time difference between the US and the UK always makes for a late reply.

The meds that are available to me will differ from those that you can buy but this is what I do for a piggy with a URI.

Many childrens' medicines are eminently suitable for piggies and the antibiotic of choice here is Septrin, a paediatric suspension. It is given orally, twice a day. 1ml. each dose. Piggies love it because it is banana flavoured.

For stuffy noses, you can use Vick, a dab on each nostril and another dab on each front foot so that piggy can inhale it when he is asleep.

I give a children's decongestant elixir called Sudafed. The dose in England is 0.4ml. orally twice a day. I don't know if this product is available in the US. I also give children's liquid Nurofen ( same dose as the Sudafed ). This is a painkiller and an anti-inflammatory and tastes of orange. Both of these meds can safely be given at the same time as the antibiotic. I know of Baytril but not the other one that you are using but it may well have a different name here. So many things do, which can cause confusion 

Another help with stuffy noses are Menthol Crystals. I use these myself and get them from a pharmacy. You break a crystal in half and dissolve it in very hot water. I use a baby food jar for piggies. Hold piggy so that his nose is over the top of the jar being careful not to touch the hot glass. He can then inhale the vapour. Piggies love it although it can be a little strong for humans. It can be reheated in the microwave and used again.

I also use Bisolvon, a powder which comes in little sachets. A pinch in a little water, syringed in three times a day can help with breathing difficulties. It is also available as a liquid. Vets sell it here and I get mine from my Rodentologists.

I am always wary of recommending doses as the strength of some meds might vary between countries so I hope that Ann has read your message and has replied.

It may just be that the meds need longer to work but a common failing with vets in this country is that they give too small a dose to be effective, which is why we have the wonderful CCT ( Cambridge Cavy Trust ) a guinea pig hospital where Rodentologists are trained specially to treat piggies and I am eternally grateful to my two, who live within driving distance and are always available for a piggy in need. Many vets are great when you have a sick dog or cat but do not have the specialist knowledge to treat piggies. I hope that your vet is experienced with piggies.

Guinea Lynx has a list of piggy savvy vets in each state.

http://www.guinealynx.info/vetlist.html

I hope that this is of some help and that Kip will soon be feeling better.

Do keep a careful eye on him and if his breathing should become laboured, he may need treating with Lasix. Keep in touch with your vet.

Penny and the Piggyfriends.