Could be URI?

[llonka]

We just got home from being away for a week and when I went to check on my piggies I noticed Jojo was really lethargic and one his eyes was almost matted shut and his nose is crusty. My mom came over to feed them, but I don't think she knows what to look for when they are sick. I called our vet, and he said since Jojo is eating it should be ok to wait till in the morning. I moved him to his own cage and gave him some pancake syrup like the vet said to do. Is there anything else I can do to make sure he makes it through the night?

Also i'm wondering about cost, is it going to be really expenisve to take him in?

Praying that he makes it tonight.

[CavyMama]

Yes lethargy and crusty eyes are definitely signs of a URI and should NOT be a "wait & see" situation. A URI can cause a pig to go downhill VERY quickly (sometimes as quickly as overnight) so the fact that your vet said to wait because he is still eating is astounding to me.

He needs to be on antibiotics (with a probiotic) like yesterday! Who knows how long he's been showing signs and we all know that by the time they are showing signs, the illness has been already affecting their health.

I'm sorry, your vet told you to give him WHAT? Pancake syrup? As in Mrs Butterworth? That is practically all sugar!! PLEASE find a different vet!

[llonka]

I don't know if the other vet we have in our town sees piggies. Hubby didn't even want me to call ours. He's afraid it's gonna cost too much. Hubby doesn't understand that my piggies are like his cats are to him.

[CavyMama]

Keep in mind that just because a vet sees pigs, doesn't mean they have any background or education about how to treat them. If he is going to say wait on treating a URI because the pig is still eating and then suggest syrup, he is clearly not cavy savvy and definitely not worth seeing a second time.

I would call around to other local vets and see what kind of experience they have in treating guinea pigs.

[llonka]

Ok thank you. I think I will wait until in the morning when hubby is at work. I know that's horrible but everything is closed now. :( I don't know what to do because it's hubby's money not mine, so he has a say in what happens.

[CavyMama]

Another option is to call your vet's number. Even though they are closed, their voicemail should have the number of an emergency vet in your area. You might try going there to see what they have to say. They don't all see pigs but it can't hurt to ask.

[llonka]

Thank you CavyMama. Jojo made it through the night, I promised him last night if stayed alive for me all night i'd take him to a vet this morning. I mean if it was one of our cats hubby would take it no matter the money situation and he's no different than a cat. not like it's gonna be more than 200 dollars right?

[foggycreekcavy]

The cost depends on the vet, and how many diagnostics he does, and medications he prescribes.

He definitely need antibiotics right away.

[llonka]

Saw the new lady vet this morning. She didn't think he had a URI, i beg to differ. They pumped Jojo full of fluids and sent us our way with a 65 dollar bill.

He seems to be feeling a little better, he ate quite a bit of hay.

[Greenbean]

You should ask her a bunch of questions on guinea pigs, and see if she gets any of them right. :)