Eye injury, dominance behaviour and vet advice

[Nutella&ice-cream]

A lot to ask in one thread!
We have 2 boars - approx 6 months old. We noticed the submissive one (Nutella) had a cloudy eye with a blueish tint a few hours ago. We got him out to check him over. He is eating fine but have arranged a vet appointment for tomorrow eve to get his eye checked over.

We then popped him back in the hutch and got the dominant one out to make a fuss of him too. They are normally both out together or we make a point of getting the dominant one out first. Anyway, since putting them both back in the hutch, the dominant one won’t leave Nutella alone. He keeps mounting him and seeking him out. Nutella squeals but is still continuing to eat and roam around. Ice-Cream seems intent on seeking him out though. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to separate and make it difficult to put them back together but obviously their welfare comes first. They really wheek for each other when not together but this is different behaviour than we’ve seen before.

This then got me thinking about the vet trip tomorrow. Should I take both of them? I don’t want Ice-Cream to be over dominant when Nutella gets back. Also, is a carrier necessary or a suitable cardboard box enough to transport them?

last question! Obviously it will depend on what the problem is with Nutella’s eye, but any idea on cost? Vet says initial fee is £25. What would antibiotics etc cost if needed?


Here is a picture of the poor boy. Hate to think if him in pain.

 

[Piggies&buns]

The tint in the eye which you describe is likely to be a hay poke injury and ulcer forming. Eye injuries fall into the emergency, can’t wait category as they can deteriorate very quickly. You really need to have him seen a lot quicker than tomorrow evening.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Regarding the behaviour, this sounds very normal for this age. They are in their teens, hormones are high and dominance comes out with vengeance. You need to leave them to it, don’t step in unless a full on fight occurs. The squealing from Nutella is submission and is exactly the response you want to happen.

Yes, take them both to the vet. With boars, you don’t want to separate at all if possible. I never take one of my boys to the vet without taking the other

Antibiotic eye drops and pain killers will be needed. Vet fees vary wildly, you could be looking at £30-50 for eye injuries. Both of my boys have had hay poke injuries and I paid around that amount. You should also have a follow up appointment about a week later.

 

[Nutella&ice-cream]

Thanks for your reply.
I tried 4 vets, none of them could fit me in until tomorrow evening! Now I’m worried!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Sorry I didn’t mean to worry you, but it’s important to know the situation when it comes to eyes. Are the vets you tried cavy savvy? Most knowledgeable piggy vets will know that eyes require quick treatment

 

[Nutella&ice-cream]

I’m not sure to be honest. First pets for us and first vet trip so have phoned around locally. I know the nearest specialist one is over 30 miles away which just isn’t possible in the week but unsure of how cavy savvy the local ones are.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Have you seen our vet locator? Recommended Guinea Pig Vets

The guides below will help you with regards to dealing with teenage boys. It can be a testing time, but as long as they like each other, one is dominant and the other is happy to be submissive, then they will get through it. Lots of space and plenty of hideys helps too!

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

 

[Nutella&ice-cream]

Thanks so much for this. There is one a lot closer than I thought. I’ll ring them first thing tomorrow.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Let us know how it goes

 

[Nutella&ice-cream]

Update:
So vet trip and she put dye in his eye and flushed it out. Now have metacam and eye drops and a check up in a week or so.
only £101!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Update:
So vet trip and she put dye in his eye and flushed it out. Now have metacam and eye drops and a check up in a week or so.
only £101!

I’m glad you got him to a vet.
Wow - that’s a lot! When my boys (both of them at separate times) had hay poke injuries, My vet charged £35 for the consultation (dye/diagnosis), medication and follow up appointment.

 

[Nutella&ice-cream]

I thought so too! I was expecting around £50. I was charged for the flushing of the eye too so don’t know if that was more but each medicine was £25 each!