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2 Problems On 1 Pig! Breathing/eye Related.

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laureng91

laureng91

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Hi! :)

I have a 2yo female piggy who I have a couple of problems with and would like some advice!

Firstly.. her eye is a little swollen and looks like it has a little cut on, I think she must have had a disagreement with of of the other piggies or she has cut herself scratching but it look a little sore and uncomfortable. I just wondered if there is a certain type of cream or such that is safe to put on her?

Secondly.. for as long as I have had her, she has always breathed at a faster rate than I can see the other pigs breathing. Considering she is quite a large pig I thought this was a bit strange. She otherwise seems healthy, eats, drinks and exercises and all the poos in their bed is normal. So I was just after some opinions on whether maybe something is wrong with her or this is just how she breathes?

I have added photo's of her eye, but I can't add a video so if someone could help with that I would appreciate it!

Thank you in advance - Lauren :)

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Eye problems always need a vet visit, and I would be very reluctant to try to self medicate as eyes are very delicate and lotions and ointments could easily damage the eye further.

She might have something in her eye, like a piece of hay. A vet will be able to get it out for you. They'll also stain the eye to check for damage.

Eye issues are quite painful and can worsen quickly so I'd take her to the vet today.

They can also check her breathing. Is her breathing noisier than then other pig or just quicker?
 
Yeah I'll be taken her to the vets with it, I just wondered if there was anything I could do to help her in the meantime..

Her breathing isn't noisier, she doesn't sound like she is struggling, it's just quicker - and so probably more shallow.
 
I agree with @Jaycey any eye issue needs to be seen by a vet ASAP as they can deteriorate very quickly. It could be an injury and/or also possibly a bit of fungal infection near the eye. Your vet can diagnose and treat effectively. Please don't try to home treat.
 
VickiA said:
I agree with @Jaycey any eye issue needs to be seen by a vet ASAP as they can deteriorate very quickly. It could be an injury and/or also possibly a bit of fungal infection near the eye. Your vet can diagnose and treat effectively. Please don't try to home treat.
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As mentioned above, she is going to the vet regarding her eye.

It's her breathing I am more worried about?
 
It does look like her sides are moving a bit more - diaphragmatic breathing can be an indication of a problem so please ask the vet to check this too.
 
laureng91 said:
Hi! :)

I have a 2yo female piggy who I have a couple of problems with and would like some advice!

Firstly.. her eye is a little swollen and looks like it has a little cut on, I think she must have had a disagreement with of of the other piggies or she has cut herself scratching but it look a little sore and uncomfortable. I just wondered if there is a certain type of cream or such that is safe to put on her?

Secondly.. for as long as I have had her, she has always breathed at a faster rate than I can see the other pigs breathing. Considering she is quite a large pig I thought this was a bit strange. She otherwise seems healthy, eats, drinks and exercises and all the poos in their bed is normal. So I was just after some opinions on whether maybe something is wrong with her or this is just how she breathes?

I have added photo's of her eye, but I can't add a video so if someone could help with that I would appreciate it!

Thank you in advance - Lauren :)

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Hi! Please see a vet as soon as possible for the eye problem. Eyes can deteriorate very quickly, resulting in having to have them removed if they are left untreated for too long. Generally, eye respond well to prompt treatment. Hay pokes are unfortunately not at all uncommon. if there is an eye injury, your guinea pigs needs an ointment or drops that contain an antibiotic; they are prescription-only.

it would also be good to have the guinea pig with the fast breathing checked for potential heart problems. It may be just down to stress, but only a good vet can decide that.

Guinea Pig Vet Locator
 
VickiA said:
It does look like her sides are moving a bit more - diaphragmatic breathing can be an indication of a problem so please ask the vet to check this too.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I will read up more about diaphragmatic breathing and mention it to the vet.
 
Wiebke said:
Hi! Please see a vet as soon as possible for the eye problem. Eyes can deteriorate very quickly, resulting in having to have them removed if they are left untreated for too long. Generally, eye respond well to prompt treatment. Hay pokes are unfortunately not at all uncommon. if there is an eye injury, your guinea pigs needs an ointment or drops that contain an antibiotic; they are prescription-only.

it would also be good to have the guinea pig with the fast breathing checked for potential heart problems. It may be just down to stress, but only a good vet can decide that.

Guinea Pig Vet Locator
Click to expand...

Thanks :)

I have had a few with hay pokes, although they have all been the usual pokes on the actual eye - clouding over and the drops. Do you think a hay poke could affect the eye the lower part of the eye lid/skin around the bottom of the eye like it has on her? There is no trauma to her actual eye.

And the pig with the bad eye is the same pig with the faster breathing. I'll mention this to the vet also!

Thanks.
 
laureng91 said:
Thanks :)

I have had a few with hay pokes, although they have all been the usual pokes on the actual eye - clouding over and the drops. Do you think a hay poke could affect the eye the lower part of the eye lid/skin around the bottom of the eye like it has on her? There is no trauma to her actual eye.

And the pig with the bad eye is the same pig with the faster breathing. I'll mention this to the vet also!

Thanks.
Click to expand...

That rather sounds like conjunctivitis - it is best seen by a vet for a proper diagnosis! All the best!

PS: not all eye pokes or scratches do necessarily ulcerate (which is the clouding over) and can in that case be very difficult to see from a naked eye if they are covered by a film of watery fluid. It takes special dye from the vet to diagnose a tear in the cornea.
 
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