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URI/Upper Respiratory Infection Possibility of getting a URI?

kiyoko

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Joined
Apr 21, 2017
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Joined
Apr 21, 2017
Messages
11
I brought home a guinea pig friend for my other guinea pig about two weeks ago. She seemed slightly off (less active than my other pig) so I took her back just in case there was something wrong. Turns out she had a URI (showed no symptoms other than being slightly less active than my other pig). I was told they began treating her with antibiotics rights away, but she died this morning. I immediately went online and found that URIs are extremely contagious. My other pig is showing zero symptoms, eating and drinking normally, squeaking like usual (actually more so since her friend is gone) and is still being very active. My vet isn't open until Monday, but I found antibiotics I could order online and get by tomorrow morning (baytril). What do I do? My other pig was just at the vet for a spay surgery but other than that was in complete health. I was able to get a hold of one vet who told me that any vet would just prescribe antibiotics as a preventative measure, but I'm also reading that that can be really bad for them too if it turns out there is nothing wrong. I am so, so scared. I can't lose them both, but I don't know what to do. Do I wait to get antibiotics until she shows symptoms? If she does at all... I'm so scared because my other pig was only slightly less active, but ended up dying even though I'm sure I caught it very early. Please help. I have been reading these forums and you are all so knowledgeable, I need your help and guidance. I am so terrified. I love my little girl so much, I can't lose her too...
 

bpatters

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Sep 23, 2009
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Joined
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I'm sorry you lost your pig.

But URIs are NOT extremely contagious -- I've never had one pig catch a URI from another pig.

And no, don't give her an antibiotic just in case she's coming down with something. Antibiotics, although sometimes necessary, are very hard on guinea pigs, and often cause severe digestive upsets. Just watch her closely in case she starts showing symptoms, and if so, get her to a good exotic vet. Don't take her to a regular vet -- they're not equipped to treat exotic pets.
 
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