Guinea Pig Eyes: Conditions and Eyedrop Treatment
Like 3 Dislike 0 Published on 25 Oct 2013
Healthcare video on guinea pig eyes, problems they can encounter with their eyes and treatment for the most common of eye-related issues - injuries!
Normal piggie eyes should be protruding, wide open (no squinting!), bright and clear. If your piggie has ruby or red eyes you can easily see the reflective quality to their eyes which shows they are normal and healthy. Demon pictures of piggies when the camera flashes is also this reflection! Don't be worried if you suddenly spot a milky discharge at the corner of the eyes, this is a normal secretion which just helps guinea pigs wash their faces, look out for it if you haven't seen it already.
I also talk about fatty eye, and whilst this isn't quite normal, the white protrusion below the eye doesn't typically cause the piggie any discomfort at all and there is no need for treatment. See the video to have a look at Sprite's fatty eye. Treatment may be possible if it is so bad that it interfers with vision.
Worrying signs: take your piggie to the vet asap!
• Crustyness
• Excess watering
• Squinting
• Receding/protruding more than normal
• Cloudy/blue appearance to the eye
These symptoms can be linked to a variety of health problems. Crusty or watery eyes when seen with a runny nose, lethargic behaviour and loss of appetite could suggest an URI or upper respiratory infection. URI's are very serious and often lead to death unless treated with antibiotics safe for piggies so please take your guinea pig to an experienced vet as soon as possible if you suspect a URI. Guinea pigs do not get colds like we do, and allergies are rare, so do not wait to see if it will get better on its own. You are giving your piggie a much higher chance of surviving a URI the sooner you find treatment.
More information: http://www.guinealynx.info/uri.html
Protruding eyes (more than normal) or abmornal eye discharge may be a side effect of overgrowth teeth or abscesses. Overgrown teeth (malocclusion) is very common in older piggies that find it difficult to keep their continuously growing teeth worn down. Other signs are difficulty eating, mouth sores, inability to close the mouth properly, exaggerated movement when chewing, losing weight and drooling. The best way to spot malocclusion early is to monitor your piggie's health weekly!
More information: http://www.guinealynx.info/malocclusion.html
A cloudyness to the eye is often associated with injuries, but can also be the formation of cataracts. Whilst these can ultimately lead to blindness, unlike us guinea pigs rely more on other senses and will naturally adjust and still live a happy live even if they do become blind. Cataracts can also be associated with diabetes if they appear quickly. Read more: http://www.guinealynx.info/eyes.html#cataracts
You can also read about entroption on the guinea lynx eye page using the link above. Entroption is a genetic disorder in which the eyelashes of young piggies turn inwards and irritate the eye.
EYE INJURIES: the most common eye problem!
Fortunately, eye injuries are often treated easily as long as treatment is started quickly. Guinea Lynx stresses that you should not put off taking a guinea pig to the vet with eye problems, otherwise the problem may get worse and ultimately result in the loss of an eye.
Hay pokes or fighting usually result in a single watery, clouded over eye which may also be bloodshot on the white part. It is not uncommon for foreign bodies (normally hay) to get trapped behind the eye and cause problems until it is removed. The vet will probably inspect the eyes and apply some dye which just helps them see if there are any abrasions or ulcers forming. They may wash out the eye to attempt to remove anything stuck in it. They will probably go on to prescribe some eye drops to kill any dangerous bacteria and help the eye to heal. Annie was prescribed Futhalmic acid, an antibacterial ointment which quickly sorted out the problem.
When applying the drops, it is easier to get someone else to hold the piggie, and also make sure no hair is in the way of the ointment. Remember - any sign of eye problems, take your piggie to the vet asap, delaying can have serious consequences!
I hope you found the video useful! Please leave comments below, and check out my other medical/healthcare videos and my links! :)
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