Wheezing Wheezing - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**cavy_cuddler** · #1 03-13-09, 12:24 pm

Today was the cage cleaning day. I had already gotten one of the pigs, Celine, out of the cage and into the pet carriers we use when the cage is getting cleaned. As I went to catch my other pig, Ayashe, I noticed she was making a slight wheezing sound and was breathing quickly. I thought she was just scared, so I waved if off. That was 30 minutes ago. I just went in to check on her and now it has changed to a much heavier wheeze. At first it was so you could hear it, but not from far away. Now it sounds like the actually cage is breathing. Is this just from stress? She's never done it before, and neither has Celine. Should we take her to the vet?

I've also noticed a lump near her left shoulder. It sort of looks like two lumps merged into one. Is this in any way related to the wheeze?

**pigluvinARK** · #2 03-13-09, 12:28 pm

If it was me I would go ahead and take the piggie in. But I am the better safe than sorry one! Ha Ha! Please keep us updated on how things are going.

**cavy_cuddler** · #3 03-13-09, 12:38 pm

I just gave Ayashe some lettuce and she ate it, but somewhat slower than normal. She didn't really beg for more or seem as interested in it the way she usually does.

My dad is calling the vet right now, so hopefully they will be able to see her today.

**cavy_cuddler** · #4 03-13-09, 12:57 pm

Quick update: The first time slot the vet could sqeeze the pigs in is 4:00. Any advice on keeping Ayashe comfortable untill them? I feel so bad for her!

**theresaj** · #5 03-13-09, 01:00 pm

Sending healing wishes to little Ayashe! :)

**pigluvinARK** · #6 03-13-09, 01:44 pm

I would just let her relax as much as possible till time to go. Because the ride to the vet could be stressful. Hope this helps. Keep us updated. Wishing you all the best.

**cavy_cuddler** · #7 03-13-09, 05:16 pm

Good news! We just got back from the vet. He checked Ayashe's respiratory system and found nothing wrong, so he thinks it was something in her neck area. Of course, Ayashe had stopped wheezing by the time the vet saw her, so he didn't get to hear it himself. He also said that Ayashe was overweight (she was 2 1/4 pounds!). He said to limit her pellets and veggies, and possibly reduce the amount of timothy hay available to her. The other big thing he said was that Ayashe and Celine possibly aren't getting enough Vitamin C. In Ayashe's case, it could also be that she was too overweight to groom herself.

So everything turned out to be okay after all! (Besides the fact that Celine bullies Ayashe, but you can look at my other post on that.)

**Ly&Pigs** · #8 03-19-09, 11:32 am

2 1/4 pounds is not overweight. Do not limit hay, do not limit veggies. Pellets can be even more limited.

If your pigs are getting the minimum of 1 cup veggies per day each and are getting things like lettuce and bell pepper, they are getting enough C.