One crusty eye, possible sneezing

[kimiherbert]

Hello,

One of our guinea pigs has rather quickly developed a crusty eye in the past few days. We've had trouble getting him in at a vets, but have an appointment tomorrow. I wondered if anyone here knows if this is an infection or perhaps something else?


To be clear, he's squinting in the photos due to the sunlight. Away from direct sunlight in that moment, he opens and closes both his eyes as normal.

His housemate seems fine. We've heard a few sneezes in the past couple of days, but so far it's when we've not been in sight of them, so we're as yet to know who's needing a tissue. They're in a home outside at the moment and are cleaned, fed and held regularly. They have a very healthy diet, drink well and are as always, eating so much.

Thanks.

 

[DMS260820]

At a guess by looking at that, it looks fungal or something. Or maybe dry skin build up where he keeps wiping the fur. Hope your piglet gets sorted

 

[Piggies&buns]

Is it discharge stuck to the fur or is it that the skin is scaly and flakey?
Dry, flakey skin, fur loss can indicate fungal infection but if it is that discharge has stuck to the fur then that will be different. Discharge and sneezing can indicate a respiratory issue.

Let us know how you get on at the vet.

 

[kimiherbert]

Thanks very much for your responses. The area is very dry, and really tough. He's definitely lost a bit of fur near the eye because of this.

We've not seen any discharge at all.

 

[Wiebke]

Hello,

One of our guinea pigs has rather quickly developed a crusty eye in the past few days. We've had trouble getting him in at a vets, but have an appointment tomorrow. I wondered if anyone here knows if this is an infection or perhaps something else?


To be clear, he's squinting in the photos due to the sunlight. Away from direct sunlight in that moment, he opens and closes both his eyes as normal.

His housemate seems fine. We've heard a few sneezes in the past couple of days, but so far it's when we've not been in sight of them, so we're as yet to know who's needing a tissue. They're in a home outside at the moment and are cleaned, fed and held regularly. They have a very healthy diet, drink well and are as always, eating so much.

Thanks.

Hi!

Please have him checked for ringworm (the most aggressive and transmittable fungal skin infection that can also jump to humans and other species pets). Do NOT treat at home and before you have seen the vet; they won't thank you for wiping the 'crime scene' and making their job much difficult!
Here is our information on your customer rights re. newly bought piggies, respiratory infections (URI), ringworm and skin parasites: New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites
Good hygiene is paramount when dealing with ringworm or it will turn into a never ending saga as the tiny invisible spores can stay live in some case over 2 years and cause a new outbreak; it is also highly contagious.
Here is out comprehensive ringworm hygiene advice as well as pictures of how an outbreak runs as it gets worse before it gets better.

Please be aware that the cold nights and big temperature swings in a matter of hours are not good without any further isolation at night for any piggies that come from indoors and are not accustomed to this; especially youngsters whose immune system is still under construction! Guinea pigs have a less effective system of regulating their body temperature since they live in thick undergrowth well protected from the extremes of weather and are active when conditions are at their most average.
Guinea pigs from an indoors situation in stable temperatures should be treated like tender plants. Also be aware that hutches and runs can be death traps during hot weather.
Cold Weather Care For Guinea Pigs
Hot Weather Management, Heat Strokes and Fly Strike

How long have you had your piggies? If it is within the periods specified in our new owners's advice link, then you can reclaim any vet cost from the place you have bought your piggy as part of your customer rights since they will have been exposed to it there and you have been ineffect sold damaged ware.
PLEASE read the green guide links. You will find them very helpful and they can really save you a lot of grief!