Sick enlarged heart, possible pneumonia, low heart rate, chest congestion

[winstonandwally]

My pig has been on 2 rounds of antibiotics for chest congestion. I had him in to the vet again yesterday because he still hasn't been acting right. They did an xray and think his heart is enlarged (this vet is the only one who will see exotics, but is not real experienced). The lungs looked like possible pneumonia and thinkened. I am an xray tech and agree. The vet wasnt sure what the normal heart rate of a guinea pig should be but he thought it was slow at about 120. He also thought he heard a murmur. Ths vet doesn't seem confident in his diagnosis. We started a 3rd round of antibiotics hoping it is an infection that won't clear up. Anyway, Wally is very lethargic today and I don't know what to do! :-( I think he is dying on my lap and I don't know where to go for real help! I am in Mankato MN of anyone can give me a referral.

 

[bpatters]

See https://www.guinealynx.info/heart.html for some suggestions.

You can search for exotic vets at www.guineapigzone.com, and there's a list at www.guinealynx.info.

 

[Rywen]

Has the vet tried a combination of two antibiotics if the infection isn't clearing up? It took Baytril plus doxycycline to clear up Ferb's URI.

 

[ClemmyOddieIndy]

Have you considered taking him to the University of Minnesota's Small Animal Vet Med? It's in St. Paul, I know it's about an hour and a half from where you are but they would likely have the equipment and knowledge you need. Or, ask if your vet will consult with the exotics specialist and cardiologist at the University of Minnesota to create a plan for treatment.