Crusty Eyes: Crusty/irritated/sensitive eye but no other symptoms except dry sneezing

[uberhaupt]

Newbie here :) Just got my guinea pig last week; a two-month old male. A couple of days ago, I thought I noticed a slight bit of crustiness beneath his left eye. Today the crustiness is still there, the skin around it is noticeably irritated, and the eye is more closed than the other. When I pet that side of his head, he blinks; however, when I pet the side of his head of his good eye, there is no reaction.

Any ideas what could be causing this? He's also been sneezing a fair amount - I've counted five sneezes in the last hour. However, his nose does not seem to be runny.

He doesn't appear to have any other serious symptoms - he's still very active (tons of popcorning), has a good appetite, and his stool is normal. Breathing seems fine as well - not laboured or audible.

other details:
-Carefresh ultra bedding
-hidey house made of wood
-Oxbow alfalfa pellets
-timothy hay
-fresh veggie selection comprised of mostly romaine lettuce, Swiss chard, green pepper, parsley, baby carrots


thanks to anyone who can help!

[rabbitsncavyluv]

It is likely URI http://www.guinealynx.info/uri.html

Did you get him at a pet shop?

Read http://www.guinealynx.info/eyes.html

Could also be an eye injury, mites or fungus.

[uberhaupt]

Yes, i did get him at a pet shop :(

I've already decided I'm going to take him to the vet, it's just a matter of how urgent (I can't take him until Tuesday without taking time off work) - but since he's still eating right and moving about I think I will wait until then unless his condition worsens noticeably.

Thanks for the response :)

[Ly&Pigs]

I would think URI from the amount of sneezing and the eye crusties. His condition can deteriorate very rapidly. I wouldn't wait until Tuesday to get him in. They hide illnesses very well and by the time they show many visible signs, they are usually pretty sick.

[uberhaupt]

Oh dear! Thanks for the tip; I'll have to see if I can get off work on such short notice... :S

[JD In Van]

If he's sneezing that often it can't wait till Tues. Can someone else take him in for you?

[uberhaupt]

I'm trying to get in touch with my dad to see if he can do - though I'm finding it's very frustrating how few animal hospitals are open on Sundays!!

Thanks again for everyone's advice here; it's been great help.