URI/Upper Respiratory Infection Tulip's Medical Thread

[pigmommy89]

I was given a baby guinea pig on Saturday. I would guess by her size that she's about 6-8 weeks old. She was purchased from a Petsmart about two weeks prior, but the family said the kids were allergic to her. I think they just didn't want her, but my girl Daisy lost her cagemate about a month ago, so I agreed to take her. As soon as I got her, I noticed she had a runny nose and was sneezing. She also had a crusty spot on her leg that looks like ringworm. I immediately began putting Monistat on that spot. She was eating and drinking normally and seemed otherwise healthy, so I made a vet appointment for Tuesday. The vet confirmed that she has a URI and put her on Baytril. She also said to continue with the antifungal for the ringworm.

Today she seems a lot better, no crust on her nose and I haven't heard her sneeze at all. She goes back to the vet on Wednesday for a recheck and to see if she needs another week of antibiotics.

My question is, how long should I wait before I try introductions? I don't want to expose Daisy to the URI or ringworm, but I don't want little Tulip to spend too much time alone. I am definitely going to wait until after the recheck. Also, Daisy has a history of fighting with adult pigs, but did fine when introduced to her previous cagemate as a baby. So I don't want Tulip to be too old before I introduce her. I really want to give them the best chance of being a pair.

 

[bpatters]

I'd go ahead and introduce them. Even if both pigs come down with the fungus, it's easily treated if you catch it early.

 

[pigmommy89]

Now, or after the vet visit?

 

[pigmommy89]

Tulip had her recheck yesterday, and the vet said she's good to go, but I should give her another week to recover before introducing her to Daisy. My gut says do it now, but do I go against the doctor's advice? I trust her judgment, but I also have a lonely baby on my hands.

 

[bpatters]

I'd introduce them. Lonely babies are pitiful, and are worth risking the possibility of another pig getting a fungus IMO.

 

[pigmommy89]

The ringworm is much better too. It's no longer flaky, and looks like the hair just needs to grow back. I did move her quarantine cage from my room to the room with the other pigs, and she's already more active. I think I'll try introductions when I get home tonight.