crusty eyes

[Allyh]

Oh no! I got home from work today and one of my pigs has crust around the outside of both her eyes! Is this normal? I'm hoping it's like human eye gunk but I have no clue. Any ideas?

 

[RubyPiggie2]

Nope, not normal. Sounds like she has Upper Respitory Infection. Please take your girl to the vet right away!

 

[Allyh]

Thanks! Are there any other indications of upper resp. infection?

 

[RubyPiggie2]

Crusty eyes, sneezing, heavy breath. www.guinealynx.com for more info!

 

[DocDolittle]

It's also a sign of scurvy, i know. One of my pigs passed away from it in November. Take him/her to the vet immediately, pigs go down faster than most animals.

 

[RubyPiggie2]

Ah, yes, that too. Thanks, Doc!

 

[Allyh]

I was able to get an appt. with my vet for tomorrow morning. Do you think that is soon enough or should I find someone else for tonight?

 

[DocDolittle]

If it's nothing but crusty eyes, you should be able to wait a bit longer. Was there any other sign, such as discharge from nose, abnormal urine, lethargy?

 

[dagwellismypigy]

what does lethargy mean? i always hear it but never know what it means

 

[DocDolittle]

It means that the guinea pig seems tired and exhausted, not moving around, with a very old and tired out expression. I've actually met people who think this is how a normal guinea pig behaves because you see it in so many pet store guinea pigs. They never believe me when I say, "Oh, the other day Cocoa was popcorning like crazy" or "Pippin can be the most hyper little boy". They think I'm crazy. it's really sad how so many people think of guinea pigs as disposable pets that get boring after a while.

 

[Allyh]

The crusty eyes was the only thing yesterday. Today it seemed more like an eye goop. (kind of like a pre-crusty thing) She is completely fine otherwise. We are off to the vet though anyhow. Thanks for the info!