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	Guinea Pig Respiratory Probems Q: I have a 3 year old female Guinea Pig. She has had 2 litters when she was 9/11 months. The first litter of 3 I kept, but unfortunately all of them died due respiratory infections (heavy, laboured breathing for a couple of days. I took them to the vet straight away I noticed!) between the ages of 15 and 24 months. Now mum has started breathing heavily. Is there anything else I can do? She is currently on Baytril 0.3ml a day for a urine infection. Thank you Dorry

A: Dear Dorry,

I am sorry to hear about your misfortune with your Guinea Pigs. To lose the whole litter over a period of time and all with respiratory problems is unusual. It could mean that there is a latent infection that the mother has passed to the young (i.e. an infection which remains hidden until the animal is under stress or unwell and then it develops). Or it could be that where they are kept is a bit draughty and is making them more prone to catching a chill? Make sure this is not the case. Baytril is a very good antibiotic for respiratory infections, so she is already on a good treatment for a bacterial problem. It is important to keep her warm - bring her into the house in a box and make sure that she is eating and drinking alright.

It could be that the urinary infection has activated a latent respiratory infection. I'm afraid that there is not a lot more that you can do. Do not get any more guinea pigs for the moment, in case she passes something on to them (just sharing the same air space could be enough).

I hope she pulls through,

Maeve Moorcroft MVB, MRCVS.
{PetPlanet Vet}

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