Specialist Persistent conjunctivitis

[Steffie1505]

I'm hoping someone can offer advice, my 8 year old piggy has had a persistent gooey eye since march, been given fucithalmic, isathal, exocrin and now on maxitrol, 4 weeks of antibiotics and still no improvement, I clean her eye with cooled boiled water and wash with Renasan, vet thinks it's a blocked tear duct so I've been massaging her little face, I'm absolutely at my whitsend, she must be in pain all the time. The vet now says (after £600) to be referred to a exotics vet, I've done that in the past with her hutch mate and I found them heartless, expensive and still put my girl to sleep. An advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

It sounds like your vet has tried about the full range of the available eye medication! From the brand names cited, I assume that you are UK based?

I am linking in our most experienced forum members for you to see whether they have any experiences or further tips.
@Jaycey @furryfriends (TEAS) @Abi_nurse @helen105281 @Freela

 

[Steffie1505]

Hi Wiebke,
Thanks for the reply, yes I am in the UK, hopefully I can get some advice

 

[Blooberry]

Steffie, sorry I cannot help with the eye problem I’m afraid, but I just wanted to say how sorry I am about your experience with exotics vet and your lovely girl. Good luck with the eye problem - I really hope you find a solution.

 

[Steffie1505]

Steffie, sorry I cannot help with the eye problem I’m afraid, but I just wanted to say how sorry I am about your experience with exotics vet and your lovely girl. Good luck with the eye problem - I really hope you find a solution.

Thanks Blooberry, I had an amazing vet but he's moved to LA, you always knew when he was working because the waiting room was full of piggies, rabbits and degus!

 

[Abi_nurse]

Where abouts are you in the uk? Sorry you had this experience with and exotics vet but they really are much more experienced than a normal general practitioner vet.
Do you have any photos of the eyes? Has your vet done any cultures or the conjunctiva as it may be somthing infectious or even viral.

Abi

 

[Steffie1505]

Where abouts are you in the uk? Sorry you had this experience with and exotics vet but they really are much more experienced than a normal general practitioner vet.
Do you have any photos of the eyes? Has your vet done any cultures or the conjunctiva as it may be somthing infectious or even viral.

Abi

 

[Steffie1505]

Morning Abi,
I'm in Surrey, I've been to CJ Hall and I've never been impressed, hugely overpriced, I spent £1000 on her hutchmate (all payments must be made upfront which I've never encountered) and they didn't know what was wrong with her, now I have the knowledge I know it was gut stasis and I had her put to sleep after 5 weeks of syringe feeding and distress for the both of us. The vet has done no cultures just puts dye in her eye at each visit despite my suggesting her eye should be swabbed. Her eye can look worse than this, it's been green all week but yesterday I stopped the Maxitrol as I felt it looked worse and this morning it's looking better, one of the problems is her getting hay stuck to it. I've been trying to up her vitamin C as I know that can cause issues, she had X-rays in April and no tooth problems. Any vet suggestions would be appreciated I don't mind travelling, I used to go 100 miles to my bunny vet!

 

[piggieminder]

Poor piggie, sending her lots of healing vibes. Have a look on the vet locator and see if there's anywhere else.
Recommended Guinea Pig Vets

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Poor little pig, I completely understand your frustration. Been in your shoes a few times with piggies. Would you be able to get to Cat & Rabbit vet in Northampton? They’re amazing, not particularly expensive either and so lovely and knowledgeable x

 

[Steffie1505]

Poor piggie, sending her lots of healing vibes. Have a look on the vet locator and see if there's anywhere else.
Recommended Guinea Pig Vets

That's a bit to far, would be a 5 hour round trip I've cancelled my appointment for tomorrow as it's a waste of money, there's one other vet listed on the vet locator so I will give them a call. What was the outcome with your piggies? I really don't want her suffering but equally I'm not one to give up before I've covered all options.

 

[piggieminder]

I think you meant to quote @Cavy Kung-Fu @Steffie1505 !