Spike and Mary went to the vet today.

[Hannah_xx]

I’ve been concerned about one of Marys eyes recently as her bottom eyelid tucks in and her actual eye looks Cloudy.
The vet isn’t too worried, she said operations are done on dogs with that problem, or a stitch to pull the eye lid down which would stay on for about 5 months to train the eyelid into the correct position.
We didn’t feel either is necessary at the moment and to just massage/pull it down myself during lap time. So we will see how it goes. The eye has been irritated by the eyelid going on which has scratched the eye slightly so we have antibiotic drops for the next week to apply. And after that maybe some normal mild eye drops for the future to keep the eye from getting irritated.
I also mentioned to the vet I am concerned she has diabetes as she drinks a lot! She didn’t have much to say on this (I don’t think she’s very experienced in piggies.. I did ask for the guinea pig knowledgeable vet when I phoned but for some reason I didn’t get her ). She said they can’t test for it there but have can send away a swap for testing. I decided against this at the moment and will keep an eye on any other symptoms.

I took Spike in as he was shaking his head during lap time the other day and I noticed he had slightly waxy/dirty ears. They didn’t look as bad today so she just advised mite treatment. Which I will get tomorrow.

It’s hard to find good small animal vets out here in Australia as not many people bother caring for little animals properly this vet was fine, her diagnoses seemed correct to me. I just would like to speak to a vet who is more experienced and confident in there findings.
If I ever have a big veterinary serious situation I will take the patient to a specialist vet, most like 2hrs away in Melbourne.

Mary’s eye..
GOOD NORMAL EYE:


Bad eye.. (hard to tell from photos)

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

It sounds like mild entropion (ingrown eyelid), which is more common in newborns. A stitch can do the trick if medical control is not enough to prevent ulceration from the scratches that the lashes cause on the eye surface.
Guinea Lynx :: Eyes

Please do not fixate on diabetes as the cause and do not overlook kidney problems, which are much more common.
If you are really worried about diabetes, please follow our diabetes diet advice; it is in many cases all that is needed to send it into remission again.
@Claire W and @pig in the city who have both had diagnosed diabetes piggies can confirm that. The diet will however not do anything if you are dealing with another issue.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

 

[pig in the city]

Hi. I have had one diabetic pig who got better with dietary changes, and another who is pre diabetic but we are monitoring him at the moment and have adjusted his diet.
Kidney problems, as Wiebke mentioned, are a far more common cause of excessive drinking. Hope the eye settles soon

 

[Hops_in_Heaven]

I have nothing of value to add to this discussion except to add that I understand you vet struggles! It's difficult here in Canada as well.

I hope everything works out for your piggies. It's good that someone who cares so much is tending to them.

 

[Hannah_xx]

Hi!

It sounds like mild entropion (ingrown eyelid), which is more common in newborns. A stitch can do the trick if medical control is not enough to prevent ulceration from the scratches that the lashes cause on the eye surface.
Guinea Lynx :: Eyes

Please do not fixate on diabetes as the cause and do not overlook kidney problems, which are much more common.
If you are really worried about diabetes, please follow our diabetes diet advice; it is in many cases all that is needed to send it into remission again.
@Claire W and @pig in the city who have both had diagnosed diabetes piggies can confirm that. The diet will however not do anything if you are dealing with another issue.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

Thank you for the information! It’s good to hear that a stitch could help as I was doubting it would work for a piggy, would they not scratch it out?

That’s a shame the vet didn’t mention it could be kidney problem, can’t believe I didn’t think of that! What would I look out for in a kidney issue?
One of my girls last week did a bloody urine during floortime, I haven’t since worked out who it was. I’ve waited for all 3 to pee on my lap on a paper towel and they all did normal pee!

 

[Merab]

Can’t add anything except support

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for the information! It’s good to hear that a stitch could help as I was doubting it would work for a piggy, would they not scratch it out?

That’s a shame the vet didn’t mention it could be kidney problem, can’t believe I didn’t think of that! What would I look out for in a kidney issue?
One of my girls last week did a bloody urine during floortime, I haven’t since worked out who it was. I’ve waited for all 3 to pee on my lap on a paper towel and they all did normal pee!

Increased drinking, weight loss and a hunched up posture that is indicative of pain in the middle or towards the spine of the piggy are usually the clearest symptoms. The rest is down to a vet examination and if necessary a scan. Sadly there is not a lot you can do if it is a problem with the kidneys. They are one of the more common causes of death.

Keep an eye out for blood in the urine, but note that clear urine can test very high while highly red urine may not contain any blood, just porphyrines. At the beginning of a urinary tract infection of cystitis symptoms are often not consistent for several days.
See your vet as soon as you notice the classic signs like red pees and squeaking when peeing etc.
Guinea Lynx :: URI