Is My Guinea Pig Wheezing? Respiratory Illnesses in Small Mammals…and When to Worry
Did you know that the smallest of pets can be adept at hiding the biggest of illnesses? Pets like rabbits and guinea pigs would be prey species in the wild, so they generally have the instinct to hide signs of sickness to appear less vulnerable to predators. That doesn’t necessarily help them much as pets in our homes, where they have us to protect them and bring them to the veterinarian when needed. By the time these pets are showing even small signs of illness, a big problem could already be developing.
Upper respiratory infections are a common culprit when symptoms start to show up. Keep reading for more information about these conditions in some of the most cuddly critters.
What Is a URI?
Upper respiratory infections, or URIs, can occur in all kinds of animals. As the name suggests, these infections affect the upper respiratory tract, and include the throat, sinuses, and nose. Like other infections, they can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi (but this is much less common). Basically, what causes people to sneeze can be very similar to what causes a rabbit to sneeze!
Pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, or chinchillas are low to the ground and spend a lot of time in their cage or habitat bedding. This means that their noses are not up in the free air as easily as larger pets like dogs and cats, so exposure risk is greater. Be diligent about cleanliness because these “bacterial or viral diseases…can be attributed to or exacerbated by poor husbandry.”
What To Watch and Listen For
Because small mammals need daily feeding, watering, and habitat care, you have the chance to interact with those pets with high frequency. That means that rabbit and guinea pig owners can really get to know their little friend’s habits, activity levels, and body condition at baseline. When anything seems off, it’s best to seek the advice of your veterinary team. A slight change in appetite, drop in energy, or decline in self-grooming might be an off day, but these could mean that your little pet is struggling to hide an underlying issue.
Specific to URIs, think of what it looks like when you have a cold. Check your rat, guinea pig, or other pet for these URI signs:
- Eye discharge, especially if it is thick or opaque
- Nasal discharge
- Redness of eyes or nostrils
- Squinting
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Sneezing
- Disheveled fur
What To Do If Your Pet Has a URI
The short answer is to contact your vet! We are a highly specialized exotic vet in the San Antonio area, and we’re happy to be here for you when your pet is sick. Depending on the symptoms upon exam, we can perform laboratory, imaging, and other diagnostic services to determine what is causing your pet distress and develop a plan for treatment. We can even help you evaluate the habitat, nutrition, and play activities you provide to help prevent upper respiratory infections or other issues.
There is not much cuter than a happy guinea pig cluck or bubble, and we at South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital want to help keep your little buddy sounding and feeling their best. Call us at (210) 424-1871 if you have questions about your exotic or pocket pet’s health!