URI/Upper Respiratory Infection Are URI's contagious? - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**graycurse** · #1 02-20-09, 07:48 pm

Are URI's contagious? If so, how contagious are they on a scale of 1-10? Just a curious question. I housed a pig with a URI in the same room (not cage) a couple weeks ago and I just want to make sure everyone else will be okay. Thanks!

**pigluvinARK** · #2 02-20-09, 09:14 pm

Hi. I just had my little guy to the vet today for a URI. I bought him from a petstore (before I knew any better). The vet told me that a younger piggie is more prone to catching it from a sick one. But most adult aged piggies usually will be fine. I was told to move mine guy away from his friend for about a week. Hope this helps you some.

**JennG** · #3 02-21-09, 08:42 am

Actually, URIs are very contagious. I would've quarantined a sick piggie in a different room. You need to take precautions as well such as washing your hands and even changing your shirt (if you handled the sick piggie) before handling the other piggies. Since you kep the ill one in the same room, there's a good chance the others could get it. It's just like passing colds from one human to another.

**pigsmakemesmile** · #4 02-21-09, 10:09 am

Yes, URI's are contagious and can be fatal. You must quarantine the pig 2 to 3 week's and relocate him to a different room. Be faithful giving the piggy his antibiotics...don't skip or miss doses.Hydration, good nutrition and probiotics will help him improve.
It's very important to wash your hands before handling your other pigs or you will help pass the illness to the others. Monitor your other pigs for signs and symptoms. If your other pig or pigs develope any signs and symptoms, do not delay a vet visit. Refer to Guinea Lynx's site and read up on URI's and quarantine.
Good luck

**graycurse** · #5 02-21-09, 11:14 am

The pig that was treated for the URI has already completed the antibiotics treatment; I took her to the vet immediately after "rescuing" her from the petstore. She had crusty eyes but no other symptoms so the vet treated her anyways. She was housed in a separate cage on the other side of my room, but unfortunately my roommates aren't as fond of guinea pigs as I am so I had to keep them in the same room. I asked this because last night I noticed one of my pigs wasn't as enthusiastic about dinnertime as usual. I'll keep a special eye on them now, thanks for the answers

**Clairfy** · #6 02-22-09, 08:10 am

Does anyone know how long URIs last for? My pig has one has been taking baytril for 3 weeks now and is still sneezing with discharge coming from her nose. Is it normal for it to take this long?

**Ly&Pigs** · #7 02-22-09, 11:18 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clairfy

Does anyone know how long URIs last for? My pig has one has been taking baytril for 3 weeks now and is still sneezing with discharge coming from her nose. Is it normal for it to take this long?

There is no definitive answer. Some pigs may take longer to clear up than others. It depends on the bacterias causing it, how bad they have it, and how well the antibiotics work. If the baytril isn't working well, consult your vet because she may need something different.

**sweetchildofwho** · #8 03-31-09, 11:07 pm

My cavy has URI, but she's the only one i own. I got her from the pet store three days ago, and took her to the vet this morning. How often do I need to wash my hands, meaning, every time i hold her, before and after, or does it matter. Does it change when she gets better?

**ShainaBee** · #9 04-01-09, 06:49 am

URI's are very contagious. My piggie got one withing 2 days of being housed with another pig.