Snuffly Guinea pig, should I worry?

[dontstopmenow]

Just that, we have been away overnight, got back this afternoon and one of our piggies sounds like she has a snuffly nose. She is eating okay. Should I worry and find a vet tomorrow or is it normal? Thanks for any advice.

[PurpleDaisies]

I have a very low threshold for taking mine to the vet-it might be a cold or it could turn into a chest infections. Definitely something to get on top of earlier rather than later. You could see how they're doing in the morning and ring the vet if you're worried. Eating is always a good sign-are they drinking, pooing and as alert as normal?

[dontstopmenow]

Yes, they are both eating but they haven't shouted as much as usual for evening veggies. Maybe vet tomorrow then. Thanks.

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Tonight make sure they are warm, sry , draught free.
Lots of fresh hay. Have you got any Vitamin C you can dissolve in water and syringe (Calpol syringe will work)
Tomorrow you'll get a better idea, they do go downhill really fast if they are ill, though.
See how she is tomorrow.
'Signs' are:

sitting tucked up, all legs underneath (though when they're really bad they lie flat)

staring coat - hard to describe but if you see it you'll know it

the eyes- if they look sunken, smaller, less 'popping' (guineas eyes are glossy and almost bulge) especially if they're weepy or crusty

they 'nod' just rock slightly as they breathe, like a rocking horse but subtler

sometimes they go rubbery like they can't support themselves, if you put them on your shoulder, they don't scamper up to your neck, they sort of roll

raspy , wheezy breath

a pathetic 'wheeeeeek' when you lift them

All paws crossed for don'tstop-pig hope the morning brings good news clover

[dontstopmenow]

Oh gosh, thank you 70 fingers and toes crossed here then.

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Just to be on guard, I've had pigs that had done the Well-to-Dead thing and the first sign I had was the way they sat, heralding a snuffle.

But on a cheerier note, my DDs GP1 boar used to have a weird watery nose drip (attractive) after grass , we got him checked , it was one of those things.
Summer, winter with cut grass, he dripped .

Bit of a bummer for a grass lover.

They are a worry when they're unwell

If you take her to the vet they should check their eyes and teeth (back teeth aren't easy but our vet used a light on a long probe thing, our boar wasn;t best pleased though)
She might need antibiotics + probiotics.

Paw holds

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

How is the piggie today dontstop

(Are you a Queen fan perchance?)

[dontstopmenow]

Piggie is completely well today. Zooming around like nothing has happened. Seems very unconcerned that she had me up every couple of hours in the night to check she was ok!!

The queen song was playing on the radio when I was trying to think of a mumsnet name, many moons ago!!

Thank you for your excellent advice!

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Alternate between "Phew" and "Little toad "

Glad she's rallied. They make you feel guilty for having a life. D'you think sje might have been in a draught at all?

[dontstopmenow]

All I can put it down to is the heating being off overnight!!!!