Sick Possible URI and Baytril

[ladytalksalot17]

Hi, My guinea pig George was wheezing a bit when he squealed and coughing but showing no signs of illness otherwise. I took him to a vet who gave me Baytril for a URI although she did not do anything other than check his teeth, weight, and ears (what I assume is standard procedure for check up). The day she gave me Baytril I was unable to start the medication because my grandfather was deathly ill and I had to go to New Jersey. I stayed overnight for the funeral and am now home. I have to go back to New Jersey for the weekend. George now seems fine, he has no signs of wheezing or cough and is acting (as far as I can tell) normal. The Baytril is prescribed for every twelve hours for 14 days. I don't know if I'll be able to do the anti-biotics for continually. Should I start them or is it safe to go without them as he's now showing no signs of a URI? I'm fairly certain my mother will be unwilling to mo niter him on Baytril even if she agrees to give it to him.

Thanks,
Tali

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Why can't you medicate him as prescribed?

You are really lucky he is still alive. He is your responsibility and you need to give him his medicine as prescribed.

URIs are deadly if left untreated. GPs are prey animals and hide their symptoms.

 

[ladytalksalot17]

I was worried that it would be worse if I started the meds then couldn't continue. He has not been officially diagnosed with a URI, the vet just gave the Baytril to me based on my description of his symptoms (which he only has one of for it). I am going to give him the meds but I still need to go to New Jersey. I will try and hire a friend to do it for me while I am gone. My duty, however; is foremost to my family, as much as I love my Guinea Pigs. I will try my very hardest to get him properly medicated. You have to understand that I had a conflict here because it was a family emergency and it's going to be a very difficult week.

 

[Amiee]

Sorry for the loss of your grandfather. I know deaths in the family throw schedules off like crazy, but I'd hate to see you lose your beloved pet at the same time. He may still be sick and simply hiding the symptoms. He needs to start on the antibiotics as soon as possible, and be on them continually for the 14 days prescribed. It's best not to wait until you're back.

From what you describe, it sounds like your mom might be your best option. He should be monitored, but it's probably ok if you mom pays him less attention than you would. If you really don't feel comfortable leaving him with your mom while on medication, then I have to point out you really shouldn't be leaving him with her (or whoever would look after him while you're gone) if he's possibly sick and NOT on medication!

Other options would be taking him with you, even if that means a small cage for a few days, or seeing if your vet (or a trusted friend) might board him for a few days while medicating and watching him.

 

[fieryone]

What more should your vet do? In that time s/he probably took a look in the pig's eyes and nose and determined that it was URI. Afterall, this is what this person spent many years in school to do. I would trust that if the vet prescribed the antibiotics that they are necessary. Even on the off chance that you have diagnosed your pig correctly and the vet did not, the antibiotics won't hurt the pig. Please treat your pig as prescribed. URI is fatal if left untreated.

 

[krittercrazy]

I am very sorry that you are having a difficult time right now. I too have had rough year. The fact remains that we have chosen to bring animals into our lives and homes. That makes us responsible for their care. If we cannot be there due to other obligations (even unplanned ones), it is our duty to arrange care for our animal companions. If your mother is unable to medicate George, arrange to board him at the vets, have a friend come in, arrange for a petsitter to come by and do it or even ask if someone at the vets office would drop by your house to medicate him. Since they are not cleaning and feeding they might not charge as much.

 

[ladytalksalot17]

Thanks so much for the advice. I've started him and his cage mate (who has started wheezing as well) on the Baytril and I'm having a friend do the medication while I'm gone. Hopefully everything will work itself out.

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Good luck.

I'd print out the handfeeding link on guinealynx if needed and give her the info for your vet if something comes up. Read the probiotic info too.

 

[piggiecrazy]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Hope your piggies get better.
Just a thought, I am not sure if it was mentioned, but you said your other piggy was wheezing now and you were going to give him the Baytril also.
Did your vet prescribe enough medicine that you can give it to both pigs?
If not make sure your friend knows that she will need to get more Baytril. You do not want to run out. Hope this helps.

 

[krittercrazy]

I am glad you were able to find someone to help. It will ease your mind a little while you have to deal with other things. Sorry for your loss.