Anybody got any specialist guinea-pig knowledge? One of mine, 18 months old, tonight is breathing very hard and fast since I brought them in from the garden. She can be heard panting two rooms away. But she seems quite calm, and is eating and drinking. Any ideas?

Hi Jeangenie, I've had guinea pigs for about twelve years now, so i've got quite a bit of experience with them.
I would suggest you keep an eye on her tonight and if she's still breathing like this tomorrow then take her to the vets.
If she's still eating and drinking thats good, you really need to worry if she stops doing that.
It's crucial that they do not dehydrate.
One of mine has breathing problems, it stems from her having a serious case of mites when she was a baby and she was neglected also. She has some lung damage, we think.
A good site to look at is Cavies Galore, it has lots of medical info. Sorry can't do links.
If you find that her breathing is still bad tomorrow, and you go to the vets, make sure that the only antibiotic your vet gives her is baytrill, as any form of penicillin kills guinea pigs.
Hope this helps some.

Thanks for that, Snoopy,
Luckily she seems to have got over whatever it was, and has been fine for several hours (phew - yes I know, she's 'only a guinea-pig' but I love her!)

They might only be little but they've got lots of personality have guinea pigs, and it's very difficult not getting attatched to them.
I've lost count of the number of times that i've been upset by mine.
Anyway i'm glad she's better.:D

She's completely back to normal today - chirrupping happily to herself (or to her mum, who can tell?) and "weeking" really loudly when she hears me chopping vegetables! :D :D

Thanks for the help - I've made a note of the safe antibiotic!

Some years ago I used to keep up to 50 cavies and breed & show them.
I used to have self Chocolates, self Goldens & American crested.

Now I just have a few rodents.
Currently: 4 female pet mice, 6 gerbils & 1 male rat
They are a much characters as my 4 Pharaoh Hounds.

Pam

i love guinea pigs but i have never thought of showing them how do you go about it i also seen dalmation varities know where i can get one