Cataracts

[BonBon2010]

Another condition to add to BonBon's list of ailments

On the other hand, the Vet was impressed at just how much better she looks physically despite her problems.
I only noticed the blemishes on her eyes, whilst waiting in the waiting room. They weren't there a couple of weeks ago, so are developing fast. She still has good vision though, atm anyway.

 

[Wiebke]

Another condition to add to BonBon's list of ailments

On the other hand, the Vet was impressed at just how much better she looks physically despite her problems.
I only noticed the blemishes on her eyes, whilst waiting in the waiting room. They weren't there a couple of weeks ago, so are developing fast. She still has good vision though, atm anyway.

I am sorry, but please don't panic! Old age cataracts are not all that rare.

Piggies will adapt and can still leave a normal life. it is generally a bit harder when the cataracts come on quickly, as the transition phase until the other senses kick in to compensate is not quite as smooth.

 

[BonBon2010]

I feel so sorry for her, she's got so much going on as it is I asked the vet about her limping as well, so that's something else to keep an eye on She's being put back on loxocam, a low dose but still worries me, as she's got such a sensitive tummy.
I asked the vet about Scurvy as with her limping, I did wonder whether her immune system is becoming compromised, and diabetes is also at the back of my mind as cataracts can be a symptom as well. Vet seems to think this is just age related though. I know she's five, but

 

[Wiebke]

I feel so sorry for her, she's got so much going on as it is I asked the vet about her limping as well, so that's something else to keep an eye on She's being put back on loxocam, a low dose but still worries me, as she's got such a sensitive tummy.
I asked the vet about Scurvy as with her limping, I did wonder whether her immune system is becoming compromised, and diabetes is also at the back of my mind as cataracts can be a symptom as well. Vet seems to think this is just age related though. I know she's five, but

You need to worry about diabetes only if cataracts are accompanied by lots of drinking and by phases of sudden weight loss. After it was discovered that guinea pigs could have diabetes, we went through a bit of a fad of overdiagnosing. In the last few years, this has gone down quite a bit despite vet knowledge having increased a lot. It is much more likely that the cataracts are simply old ages ones, like many humans get, too.

 

[Claire W]

My Emma has also recently been diagnosed as having cataracts I hadn't noticed which I feel guilty about but my vet pointed it out last Thursday when they went for nail trims and check ups. She did point out it is difficult to spot at this stage. Apparently Emma is in the early stage and we hope it will be very gradual. You can just see a milky blue tinge in her eyes when the light is shining. She is only 3.5 but I am now wondering if her and Erika could be a bit older.

I feel so sad for her but i am hoping she can still live a happy and normal life.

I have seen @Wiebke own cataract piggies enjoying life first hand which is giving me hope for Emma's future.

Emma is sending BonBon lots of love xx

 

[Poppy'sMum]

My Petal piggy is 5 & a bit & I'm fairly certain she has cataracts starting & I have noticed her sight isn't as good, but she can find her way around just fine & I accept it's just part of the ageing process. I just make sure I don't change the layout of the cage & speak to her on approach so as not to startle her

 

[georgina r]

years ago i knew someone who's guinea had cataracts she put wet tea bags on his eyes i gave her a strange look at first but they cleared up and the eyesight improved. i don't know if it was coincidence or not but anything is worth a try.