Help! Domino's sick!! :(:(

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

Oh gosh, I got up this morning to find Domino listless! I don't know what to do, maybe you guys can help me out!!!

Well, he's not eating anything, and is listless like I said (not at ALL like him!!) and appears to be dehydrated maybe...he's got some stuff coming out of his eyes and somewhat out of his nose, so my best guess is that he's got a cold, plus his backbone is protruding. I just know whenever our guinea pigs get sick, they don't last long! what do I do?? We're going to try to treat Dom for a cold, but I don't know...ideas are much appreciated, thanks! *Please get well soon Domino!!!*

[lv4dogs]

I'm not too familiar with piggies but is there anyway you can get him to the vet?

Sending tons of healing good thoughts your way.

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

Originally posted by lv4dogs
I'm not too familiar with piggies but is there anyway you can get him to the vet?

Sending tons of healing good thoughts your way.

Well, we're going to try everything else before we take him to the vet...my mom's not too up for that since that can get expensive...! Prayers are much appreciated!!

[lv4dogs]

What color & consistancy is the stuff that is coming ffrom his eyes/nose?
My friend is a pig expert, if I can get some momre info I can try to contact her to see if she knows anything.

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

Originally posted by lv4dogs
What color & consistancy is the stuff that is coming ffrom his eyes/nose?
My friend is a pig expert, if I can get some momre info I can try to contact her to see if she knows anything.

It's clear, kind of white puss stuff...although it's somewhat dry coming out of his nose...

[PJ's Mom]

Get him to the vet. As you said, they don't last long, especially if they're dehydrated.

Have you tried giving him one of his favorite treats? Apples, oranges, parsley, etc? (to get him to take something in.)

How old is he?

Good thoughts coming your way.

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

Originally posted by PJ's Mom
Get him to the vet. As you said, they don't last long, especially if they're dehydrated.

Have you tried giving him one of his favorite treats? Apples, oranges, parsley, etc?

How old is he?

Good thoughts coming your way.

Oh gosh, he hasn't taken ANY parsley, hay, carrots or anything!!! Which he is usually SO eager for!!! And Dom is almost 3...of course, we've never had a guinea pig live past 2...*sigh* *cries*

[lv4dogs]

I'd at least try to get some pedialyte or gatorade in him if he's dehydrated.

I just tried to im my friend, she's off at the moment but is ussually on most of the day.

[Jadapit]

I also, dont know anything about guinea pigs. I'm sorry Domino isn't feeling well. Sending good thoughts your way. Keep us posted on the poor little guy.

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

Originally posted by lv4dogs
I'd at least try to get some pedialyte or gatorade in him if he's dehydrated.

I just tried to im my friend, she's off at the moment but is ussually on most of the day.

Ok, I'll try that...

[PJ's Mom]

One more question, does he seem to have trouble breathing?

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

Kind of, not TOO bad, although he is shaking quite a bit, and for some reason he's dragging his back legs some...I just don't know what to do!

[LeahMM]

Oh no! Poor baby. Really a vet is what you need right now. I no nothing about piggys but it sounds like Domino is very ill.

[PJ's Mom]

Look at this about piggie pheumonia:

Pneumonia is one of the most common bacterial diseases of pet guinea pigs. A number of potential disease-causing bacteria may inhabit the respiratory tracts of otherwise normal guinea pigs. Stress, inadequate diet, and improper home care often predispose a pet guinea pig to respiratory infection. Signs of pneumonia may include labored or rapid breathing, discharge from eyes and nostrils, lethargy and inappetence. Some animals show no signs at all before dying suddenly. Middle and inner ear infections occasionally result from respiratory disease in guinea pigs. Additional signs may include incoordination, tilting of the head, circling to one side, and rolling. A veterinarian must be consulted about this serious bacterial infection. Aggressive antibiotic therapy by injection and appropriate supportive care are necessary. Bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing help the veterinarian select an appropriate antibiotic. Unfortunately, even though the signs of in-fection can be relieved, the causative bacteria cannot be eliminated. Rabbits and rats harbor at least one of the bacteria known to cause pneumonia in guinea pigs. Therefore, it is wise not to house these animals with or near guinea pigs.

What do you think?

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

Yea, that pretty much sounds like Domino right now...what makes me feel awful is that we've all been sick with a cold/cough the past few days, and I sure hope we didn't pass it on to him...since it very well could have developed into pneumoia!