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Punctured Eye :(

Jen2216

Jen2216

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Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and new to owning guinea pigs so I'm hoping for a bit of advice if possible!

Two weeks ago 2 little boy pigs joined our family and we couldn't love them anymore already! I did so much research into making sure that I had the best size cage etc. And what to feed them and what to do make them as happy in my home as possible, up until yesterday it had been going great, their little personalities are a joy to be around, but yesterday I noticed that one of our boys Charlie had a red eye, ( the only way I can describe it is like one of the red eyed rabbits), I immediately took him to the vet and was told he had a punctured eye, I'm not sure how this happened as there's nothing in the cage other than hay that could have done this, the vet said it may have been caused by our other boy climbing on him and catching him in the eye or it could have been the hay. I was obviously distraught and feel like the worst owner in the world that this happened and it happened so soon. He has been given 3 lots of medication but I've been told he will need his eye removed asap which will cost around £600. Unfortunately I hadn't had a chance to insure them yet so will have to cover this cost myself, which I am prepared to do. My question is, does anyone have any experience of this type of thing? I'm not sure if I could have prevented this happening somehow or how he will be after his op, the vet advised he could lead a normal and happy life, but I have no experience of this so looking for some advice really.
Thank you in advance, and I hope its not to rude to jump on the forum and go straight into a post like this!
 
Please do not blame yourself. Piggies sometimes get what's called haypoke. This is when a piece of hay goes into their eye. It happens to even the most experienced owners, and there's nothing you could have done to prevent it.
I would perhaps get a second opinion though about the removal of the eye. Although I've not had this happen myself, several other members have, and the eye has not needed to be removed. Obviously it could be that your wee guy has been unfortunate, and the damage has been severe. Piggies don't rely on sight as much as we do, so he'll be fine with just one eye if it has to come out. Someone with more experience will come along shortly and give you better advice. I really just wanted to reassure you that it's just one of those things that you couldn't have prevented. Welcome to the forum. You'll find lots of information in the guides section. I would post a link but I can't on this device. :wel:, and no it's not rude to go straight to a question, that's what the forum is for and we love having new members, I've only been a member myself for a couple of months and everyone is really friendly.
 
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Aw thank you for your lovely reply, it' very appreciated! I have been looking for information on Google about punctured eyes and I saw a few people say the medication made a huge difference and they were able to save the eye, so I'm very confused! The vet was pretty adamant that surgery was his only option or to have him put to sleep, so I opted for the surgery! He is booked in to have this done Tuesday so I have some time to see if there is an alternative. It may be that, as you said the injury is too severe, he said the eye would prolapse and it would be pretty awful so I'm gutted. He is still his usual self though, if it wasn't for the red eye I wouldn't have known! Just trying to work out what the best is for my boy!
 
Jen2216 said:
Aw thank you for your lovely reply, it' very appreciated! I have been looking for information on Google about punctured eyes and I saw a few people say the medication made a huge difference and they were able to save the eye, so I'm very confused! The vet was pretty adamant that surgery was his only option or to have him put to sleep, so I opted for the surgery! He is booked in to have this done Tuesday so I have some time to see if there is an alternative. It may be that, as you said the injury is too severe, he said the eye would prolapse and it would be pretty awful so I'm gutted. He is still his usual self though, if it wasn't for the red eye I wouldn't have known! Just trying to work out what the best is for my boy!
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Have a look under the vet locator tab at the top of the page and see if there are any 'cavy savy' vets near you. A lot of vets don't have a lot of experience with guinea pigs, but the ones listed there are tried and tested by members of the forum. I'll link @Wiebke in as she is a real expert on piggies and will be able to give you much better advice than a mere novice as myself.
 
Hello, sorry to hear this. Whereabouts are you located? We may be able to suggest a recommended vet near to up you if you are in the UK.

What medication have they been on. Medication does not always save the eye I am afraid... It can be the case if unsuccessful then the eye does unfortunately have to be removed :( we had a piggy with one eye after it was removed and she lived a very good life. Tagging in @helen105281 @furryfriends (TEAS) @Jaycey @Freela @Adelle
 
Oh you poor thing! What medication have you been given for him? I'm also not sure about the eye removal, I have a girl with an eye deformed from birth so I'm always keeping a close watch on whether it needs removing one day. My vets have said that providing it looks healthy it shouldn't need it as any operations are not taken lightly. Also it was only going to cost me around £300 so that's half what your vet wants which is bizarre!

Generally most hay pokes/eye injuries are treated without eye removal so unless it's an emergency and his eye is gunna blow I don't know why they haven't given the medicine a chance? I'd definitely get a second opinion, where are you based? :)
 
Is he on any pain relief? I think that is key at the moment while the other meds have a chance to work. I agree a second opinion would be a good idea as it is normal for the vet to see if the meds work first. £600 does also seem excessive but if they are an exotics vet the prices can be higher. My Tim had his eye removed 2 years ago due to an abscess growing behind it and that cost me about £350 I think. 2 years on and he is doing great and is now over 6. If you could update your location we could recommend another vet. You are not within travelling distance of Northampton are you?
 
Hi everyone thank you for the replies! I have had to pop out but will update with medication names when I'm home, he has antibiotic eye drops, something for the pain and a third one which the name of completely escapes me.
It does seem mad that the cost is so high! My friend's dog had the same procedure which was around £250, but I wasn't sure if this was different as he's so small. I will have a look at the recommnded vets, thank you for that. I live in Bedford but can travel.

The vet said something about the eye prolapsing which seemed extreme! Just so weird seeing him happy in himself with all that going on!
 
Thank you, I just saw them on the vet list so will give them a call! I probably sound like a drama queen but I'm seriously doubting everything I've done with them now I just want to make sure they are as healthy and happy as possible and for it to happen so soon has given me massive guilt! Thank you for all the replies though, it's lovely to know this site is here for help!
 
Jen2216 said:
Thank you, I just saw them on the vet list so will give them a call! I probably sound like a drama queen but I'm seriously doubting everything I've done with them now I just want to make sure they are as healthy and happy as possible and for it to happen so soon has given me massive guilt! Thank you for all the replies though, it's lovely to know this site is here for help!
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Don't feel guilty! It's difficult as they insist on injuring themselves sometimes aha. I've recently seen Kim & Simon in Northampton and can't recommend them enough, they're amazing. If I lived closer I'd make them my regular vet!

Sending healing vibes to you and your babies! :)
 
It's not your fault silly, piggies are a pain sometimes. Lol
Even our most experienced piggy slaves have had this happen.
I definately think you should change your vet, especially when she says put her down, I think I would have walked out. I think she doesn't know what she is talking about. Simon is brilliant lve heard, living down the other end of the country I have never been to him.

Hello & Welcome to our friendly forum.
 
Hey everyone thank you for all the replies. I took Charlie into the vet today and he said he's made such an improvement he is postoning surgery and wants me to take him back in a week . He has said he thinks there is only about a 10% chance of eye removal at this stage if he continues to improve! So happy! Thank you for all the help from everyone!
 
I think in future I'll be taking them to the vet everyone recommended as if I hadn't been able to pay for his op I would have needlessly had him put to sleep!
 
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