cataracts in both eyes

[ninjapig28]

I am writing this on behalf of my mum who adopted a piggie.
He has developed cataracts in both eyes over 6 months and seems to be blind or almost. My question is will be be ok and is there anything the vet can do? or is it best to let him get on with it?

Thanks

 

[Wiebke]

I have had a guinea pig that developed cataracts myself.

There is nothing the vet can do; many cataracts are congenital, especially if the piggy is still relatively young. Piggies with cataracts are still light sensitive; it's like seeing through a thick sheet of white paper. Cataracts develop usually within months of each other on both eyes - in humans as well.

After a while, a piggy gets used to their loss of eyesight; thankfully, sight is not one of the strongest senses and piggies comepensate with their other senses.

Make sure that you always talk to him first or touch him lightly before you lift him up and that you do not switch the layout around, so they won't be in danger of bumping into things.

Here is my Mischief's story; I hope that it gives you and your mum heart!
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=33420

 

[ninjapig28]

Thats amazing! thank you so much. The message and link has been passed on

 

[Laura-CCC4]

I agree, there's nothing the vet can do and the piggie will adjust. It's more likely to happen in older piggies (although cataracts can occur in relation to specific illness if the cataracts present alongside other symptoms).

I have a sow coming up for 5 years old who's got cataracts developing (Jasmine), and my one year old chap Errol with his slipped lens. Errol was stunned a little by his visual impairment as it developed literally overnight, took him a while to adjust but he's back to his usual bouncy self now, and Jasmine is a touch more wary but on the whole is able to handle the loss of vision more easily as the cataracts develop so slowly.