Eye Infections and Problems in Guinea Pigs: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Guinea pigs, similar to other exotic pets, can experience various eye problems. A range of issues, such as infections and tumors, can impact their eye health, with some being more common than others. By understanding potential issues, you'll be better equipped to address any eye problems that may arise with your guinea pig.

What Are Eye Problems in Guinea Pigs?

Eye infections or problems encompass various issues affecting a guinea pig's eyes. The symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific issue. Once diagnosed, treatments will also vary significantly.

Symptoms of Eye Problems in Guinea Pigs

Some symptoms may be alleviated with home remedies, but it's crucial to consult a veterinarian if you notice any eye issues. Untreated eye conditions can be serious and may lead to blindness.

Cloudiness or Redness

Cloudiness or redness in your guinea pig's eye may indicate a corneal ulcer, which is a defect in the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye.

Frequent Pawing, Scratching, or Closed Eye

Your guinea pig may paw at its eye, keep it closed, or rub it on the ground to indicate an issue. The pain from an ulcer can cause a guinea pig to stop eating and potentially develop ileus, a painful gastrointestinal condition.

Inflammation/Discharge

Your guinea pig may have an infection if there is hair loss around the infected eye. It may also have an infection if there is redness called conjunctivitis, discharge, inflammation, or swelling. Your pet may even hold the infected eye shut if it's infected.

Constant Tearing

Normally, ducts allow drainage from the eyes to the nose. However, if a duct becomes blocked or clogged, it can lead to excessive tearing from the eye.

Large Bulges/Masses

Tumors and growths behind the eye can cause noticeable bulging or swelling in your guinea pig's eye.

Causes of Eye Problems in Guinea Pigs

Causes of eye problems in guinea pigs may include a scratched cornea, corneal ulcers, infections, or more serious issues like tumors.

Corneal Ulcers

Scratches or irritations from cage materials like hay or bedding, or even from a scuffle with another guinea pig, can lead to a corneal ulcer.

Eye Infections

Exposure to excessive bacteria or fungal spores can lead to eye infections in guinea pigs. If there's significant discharge causing the eye to crust shut, gently clean it with a warm, damp cloth until you can see your vet.

Overgrown Teeth

Guinea pigs have teeth similar to those of a rabbit. Their front teeth are called incisors. The roots of these incisors can grow into a pathway between the nose and the eyes, called the nasal-lacrimal duct, and cause your guinea pig’s eyes to weep.

Tumors

Sometimes growths or tumors will, unfortunately, develop behind the eyes of guinea pigs. These growths will likely be very uncomfortable for your guinea pig.

Diagnosing Eye Problems in Guinea Pigs

Tumors or growths can occasionally develop behind your guinea pig's eyes, causing discomfort and potential behavioral changes.

• Corneal ulcers: Your veterinarian will likely be able to determine if your pet has a corneal ulcer just by a physical examination and observing the guinea pig's behavior.
• Eye infections: Your exotics vet may choose to treat the eye without obtaining a sample to culture first. But if the infection does not resolve itself, a bacterial and/or fungal culture should be obtained. The culture will tell your vet exactly what kind of bacteria or fungus is growing around the eye and will dictate the correct treatment for your pet.
• Overgrown teeth: An easy test to see if there is a blocked nasal-lacrimal duct because of overgrown teeth is to use a fluorescein eye stain and wait to see if it leaks out of your guinea pig's nose.
• Tumors: Sometimes X-rays will be used by your exotics vet to identify a tumor on the skull of your guinea pig. These X-rays may also need to be read by a radiologist before your vet can make a diagnosis. Unfortunately, not all abnormalities are visible on an X-ray so your vet may also recommend an MRI be performed on your guinea pig. This is not something many guinea pig owners pursue and it is also not something many veterinary hospitals can provide.

Treatment

The cause of the issue determines the course of treatment for eye problems in a guinea pig. 

• Corneal ulcers: Corneal ulcers can be treated with special prescription eye ointments from your exotics vet. Some of these ointments are antibiotics and some are made specifically to heal ulcers. If the ulcer is really large or hasn't healed after the use of some medications, your vet may draw some of your guinea pig's blood. The blood will then be centrifuged, and the serum will be used as eye drops to help the ulcer heal. If the ulcer still hasn't healed, a special procedure called a grid keratotomy may need to be performed on the eye to encourage healing. This procedure is done under anesthesia by an exotics vet.
• Eye infections: Bacterial and fungal infections can affect one or both eyes and need to be treated with the appropriate antibacterial or antifungal medications. Sometimes just cleaning out the eye makes a world of difference to your guinea pig. Once your guinea pig has been diagnosed with an infection, take care to fully sanitize and clean its cage and all the elements inside. This will remove any lingering spores.
• Overgrown teeth: If there's a diagnosis for overgrown teeth, your vet will decide if an extraction surgery is the right course of action.
• Tumors: If a diagnosis is made, there is typically no treatment for a tumor behind the eyes.
  

Prognosis for Guinea Pigs With Eye Problems

Most eye problems can be resolved, allowing guinea pigs to lead normal lives. However, those suspected of having tumors behind their eyes may receive symptomatic treatment and hospice care.

How to Prevent Eye Problems

While some eye issues in guinea pigs can be prevented, others cannot. Follow these three steps to help prevent eye problems in your pet:

• Maintain a clean cage to prevent unnecessary bacteria from growing near your guinea pig.
• If you have more than one living together, try to avoid or break up any fighting, since they can injure each other's eyes.
• Pay attention to any changes in your pet's eyes and take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.