Vet: Milo and Pepper's First Appointment is today!

[Dichotomy83]

My two boys go in today for their first appointment with the vet. I've had Milo for about 4 weeks now and Pepper for about 2. Milo came from a friend who could no longer keep him, and we got Pepper shortly after, as a buddy for Milo.

Pepper is petstore bought (this was before I knew much about Pigs and before I knew better. I wish I knew this sooner). Unfortunately, at the time I didn't know about quarantine periods either. I did their initial meeting in a neutral spot, and introduced them both into a different, new, bigger pen. New friend, new house, no fights.

Anyway, while I totally trust the health of Milo...I realize that I cant be too sure on Pepper's state of well being. And besides, I thought it would be good to get them established with a vet so that I already had their healthy stats on file should they ever get sick in the future. Ive also been weighing them each on a weekly basis to keep track of any weight loss. Milo is my fatty at almost twice as big as Pepper! (based on size, we're assuming Pepper to be way younger than Milo)

Im just a little bit nervous though, and wondering what to expect. I hope my boys are both healthy little cavies! Ive noticed a cough/sneeze like sound coming from both of them once in a while (MAYBE a 2-3 times per pig, per day at most). They are on fleece bedding, so it could be their hay, I guess. Im just REALLY hoping its not respiratory. They really have no other symptoms besides the random cough, so who knows. Im just keeping my fingers crossed.

Also, what is a guinea pig's typical wake/sleep cycle like?? I feel like they have a day or two where theyre really active, and then some days of laziness....and again and again. Is this normal??

The visit will cost me $55 per guinea pig...does this seem pretty average?

And finally, can I bring Pepper and Milo in the same carrier? How big should it be?

Sorry for all the questions. I will update after the boys see the vet!

[akstrohm]

They sound pretty heathy to me. Guinea pigs are active throughout the day and night. Many are most active at dawn and dusk. A day of laziness and a day of activity isn't much to worry about. $55 is maybe a bit on the expensive side, but that depends on the area of the country you are in and other factors. It will be worth it to know that they are in good shape. Good luck!

[Dichotomy83]

$125 later, and we're all home.

Weights are good. Skin looks good. Same for fur. But despite clear lung sounds, it seems my boys have a case of the sneezes/coughs. Only symptom they had besides the cough was a tiny bit of mucous on the nose when she looked at them both.

So, to be on the safe side, and tackle anything they may have before it gets worse, the boys were given Tribrissen. They have to take it 2x daily for 10-14 days and Im supposed to call the vet back after 10 days to see how they're doing.

Anybody else have to go through this with their beloved cavies?

[ShaunaMuse]

Glad to hear the boys are well! I haven't gone through this yet with my 4, they are seeing the vet on the 20th then the 23rd because they are going 2 at a time. They did just get their first treatment for mites last night which went really well.

Again glad to hear your babies are healthy and happy! Thanks for the update!

[Dichotomy83]

Thanks for the quick reply....do you think I shouldnt be too worried about the coughs and having to give them Tribrissen then?

[akstrohm]

I would give them the Tribrissen to be on the safe side since they now have mucous. I'm glad the appointment went well!

[Dichotomy83]

Oh Im definitely still giving them both the medicine. Hopefully they get well soon!