Bulging Eye

[Texel]

Hi everyone I am new here on the forum.

Our GP Neville has a bulging eye. He is only 2 years of age. First visit to the vet last Friday and the initial diagnosis was he had hit his eye. So I was given Fucithalmic viscous eye drops which I applied 3 times a day. However the eyeball still proceeded to enlarge, looks as if it is going to burst and after another visit this morning the vet suggested it is a tumour, and that he should be PTS. He now has another lump on his back - poor chap.

I have brought him back home for the moment as I need to tell my 13 daughter first so she can say goodbye to him. He can enjoy a day out on the grass in the run.

Has anyone else's GP had eye issues ?

This is all too much as we lost George last year to a huge tooth abscess, despite having it drained, antibiotics etc and much care and attention poor George just didn't make it.

Are GPs these days so much weaker ?

I have always had a soft spot for these little delightful creatures but I don't think we will be getting any more for the moment. They really make an impact on your heart, it is hard to see them suffer so.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Welcome to the forum Texel, I'm sorry to hear Neville is poorly.

A bulging eye typically suggests pus or an infection behind the eye. A corneal ulcer could also be to blame. The prognosis depends on how quickly treatment is given, it may be necessary to remove the eye if medication does not solve the problem within a week or so. Along with Fucithalmic eye drops, Baytril and Rimadyl will also need to be given. Baytril will help fight the infection, Rimadyl will deal with any pain and inflammation. If the situation does not improve or clear fairly quickly, or if the condition worsens, then removing the eye is considered the best option.

Guinea pigs can live very well with a missing eye. There was a little piggie born recently with no eyes, and at the last update he was thriving.

Piggies aren't weak per se, but some may be genetically predisposed to some conditions, while sometimes it's just rotten luck. I lost three pigs in 9 months due to accumulative problems, despite treating each condition I couldn't have done any more for them and I couldn't have prevented the problems they came down with. It's just one of those things.

 

[Texel]

Thanks CCC4 I am going to find another vet and go for a second opinion .... will keep you posted.

I will try to take a photo of it but I am not the best with a camera.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

There is a very good vet in Ewell, Surrey. If you can get to her she's probably one of your best chances as she is so good with this species. Most "regular" vets aren't especially knowledgeable and specialised in the field of guinea pigs, but there are some vets out there - such as Anne Taylor - who are brilliant.

The surgery info can be found here: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showpost.php?p=96513&postcount=24

 

[alcesterpigs]

Highly unlikely to be a tumour, do not have your pig killed.
I agree it seems to be an infection, the lump on the back may just be a sebaceous cyst.
Try the Cambridge Cavy Trust on 07721026401 for another opinion.
I am sure Neville will have many more days on the grass.

 

[alcesterpigs]

Yet again I am annoyed that a vet should advise killing a gp on an unconfirmed diagnosis.
"the vet suggested it is a tumour....."

 

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

Yet again I am annoyed that a vet should advise killing a gp on an unconfirmed diagnosis.
"the vet suggested it is a tumour....."

i agree,if you look around here there are alot of piggies within this site that have bounced back from major illness despite what vets have said,don't give up yet I'm crossing my fingers for you x
would also like to add that if it wasn't for the members on this forum my GP would probably be dead by now due to inexperienced vets,if you feel uneasy with anything always seek a second opinion if you can from a gp vet x

 

[alcesterpigs]

Death does cure all illnesses, the only drawback is that it is irreversible.

 

[Wiebke]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and your boy! Hopefully, you can find a way to treat his eye.

I had a nearly blind guinea pig with two cataracts, and once she'd got used to it, she was back roaming the garden, messng up my jigsaws and jumping on top of her hut...

 

[Glynis]

Let's all hope that she was able to find a vet who knew more about piggies.......and their problems if not to ask questions at least...

I wish you and little Neville all the best i'm sorry to hear this has happened so many things happen internally with piggies and we dont' find out till last minute mainly cause they tend to cover up their illness' due to their background / nature :{
Healing wheeeeeeeeeks of loves for the little Neville from us all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

If you can look on here you'll find lots of references to similar problems, but we also have a few very very informed people on here that can help you, i'm sure they'd be prepared to pm you and advise other alternatives if you need or can handle as it's a full on job looking after any sick animal

 

[Texel]

Thank you all so much for your advice and support. I don't feel so alone.

I have called another vet to make an appointment for a second opinion and asked about eye removal and have been quoted £200 for an eye operation - I was expecting it to be about £70 at worst (but I can afford this) being as neutering is anything from £40 - £50, but £200 is alas beyond me.

I will check out the vet in Surrey as suggested and the Cavy Cambridge Trust.

On the one hand I feel bad for hesitating to put him to sleep as the vet said it was his duty to ensure the animal didn't suffer any more and the eye could burst - this made me wince. Yet on the other hand I feel I need to look into other options.

He is eating well and certainly loving the grass - just had a look ..... I hope he isn't in too much discomfort.

 

[boureki]

It's a tricky one, that is indeed a pricey op - does anyone know how the Blue Cross or PDSA work, would it be possible to get an accurate diagnosis from a guinea friendly vet and take this info to one of these organisations to get it sorted? if he is eating well etc it doesn't sound like a pig who needs to be PTS in my humble opinion, but obviously the eye will need rapid attention.

 

[Wiebke]

As long as you explore all the options and THEN make an informed decision! Unfortunately, non-routine operations can get very expensive, though that price should include post-op check-ups.

In the situation you're in there're no easy right/wrong decisions anymore; it's a weighing up of all factors. Since Neville doesn't seem in too big discomfort, I'd recommend you contact more addresses; at least you don't have to make any split-second decisions which you might rue afterwards.

As long as you DO look into all possibilities you can be sure that you have done your best for Neville and not failed him.

Big hug
Vicky

 

[Texel]

Here are some photos - hopefully

 

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

that eye looks rough,he does look like he has a bit of life left in him yet xxxxx

 

[tab]

the eye looks very bad it looks as if it will be lost, but it does'nt mean you

have to lose the guinea pig!

 

[alcesterpigs]

As far as I can tell from the photo, Neville has an eye infection, possibly caused by a penetrating injury. I have had pigs of my own with with the same problem, if anything slightly worse. The sight will almost certainly be lost in the affected eye, but that is almost a relatively minor side-effect. As long as a pig has a sense of smell for food that is all that bothers them!
He may have some discomfort, almost certainly he will not be in pain. The fact that he is enjoying his time on the lawn is an excellent sign.
Treatment. Antibiotics to contain the spread of the infection, he may, or may not, need the eye removed, £200 is somewhat expensive.
The pig I had with the same problem took three weeks for the condition to resolve, during which time he carried on as normal. I say this for completeness he did need the eye itself drained at one stage, NO anaesthetic was needed.
May I suggest again that you contact the CCT for advice and reassurance?
Neville is in with a very good chance, with the right treatment.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Poor little guy. I'd be inclined to say it looks ulcerated, I would assume that you can get infections both in and behind the eye. AP, does the eye bulge out with infections in the eye, or only with infections behind the eye?

Certainly needs rapid attention in one form or another. If you can get up to Huntingdon to see Vedra at the Cambridge Cavy Trust I am sure she will see/treat straight away, I doubt you would be charged nearly that much for surgery (if necessary), though it will add up with petrol money. It is a bit of a trek from Hampshire to Cambs though, Anne Taylor in Surrey may be your better option.

 

[mstori]

It's a tricky one, that is indeed a pricey op - does anyone know how the Blue Cross or PDSA work, would it be possible to get an accurate diagnosis from a guinea friendly vet and take this info to one of these organisations to get it sorted? if he is eating well etc it doesn't sound like a pig who needs to be PTS in my humble opinion, but obviously the eye will need rapid attention.

http://www.pdsa.org.uk/eligibility.html
a link for PDSA eligibility
Hope your piggy will be ok x

 

[alcesterpigs]

ccc4
I thought my pig would need the eye removed, took him to Vedra who said it would clear up, which it did.