Crusty Eyelid?

[lucy233]

Hi, today I realized that the left eyelid of one of my guinea pig babies looks kind of swollen and crusty, but we aren’t sure what the cause might be. He doesn’t seem to have any problems with it, but it definitely looks like something is wrong. Otherwise, he is very healthy, eats and poops normally, and has no other symptoms. Please help, thanks!
Here's a google doc with the image: Guinea pig eye problem

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

Please have your piggy vet checked for potential ringworm (a high contagious and species jumping fungal skin infection) that is sadly not at all uncommon in newly bought guinea pigs.

More information on your customer rights re. refunding vet cost and on the all important ringworm hygiene:
New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights
Ringworm: Hygiene, Care And Pictures

Please accept that we cannot diagnose reliably just from a picture without any hands-on access; nor has any of us the qualifications to replace a vet.

 

[WobblyPiggy]

Hi,

I would get him seen by a vet...piggies having issues with their eyes can sometimes be an indication of other illnesses...it could also be conjunctivitis but if they're in with other piggies it is possible for it to spread...until you can see a vet it is best to keep the area clean...you can also buy something called Terramycin and Lubrathal off amazon which is good for eyes as a just incase...I have a piggy who is blind in one eye due to an injury...I now have to put lubrathal on him every 3-5 hours and clean his eye down...he gets crust that sometimes I can get off but most of the time I have to clean his eye down...he also gets conjunctivitis which leaves alot of gunk coming out of his eye leading to crust as well...I would probably see a vet as a just in case...as the sooner things are caught the better

 

[lucy233]

Hi and welcome

Please have your piggy vet checked for potential ringworm (a high contagious and species jumping fungal skin infection) that is sadly not at all uncommon in newly bought guinea pigs.

More information on your customer rights re. refunding vet cost and on the all important ringworm hygiene:
New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights
Ringworm: Hygiene, Care And Pictures

Please accept that we cannot diagnose reliably just from a picture without any hands-on access; nor has any of us the qualifications to replace a vet.

Hi!
Thank you so much for your reply.
I looked up more information about ringworms and it does seem like a probable cause. I'll be taking him to the vet this afternoon, hopefully everything goes well!

 

[lucy233]

Hi,
My 3-month-old male guinea pig recently lost some hair right above his left eye (see image here: Guinea pig eye problem)
I posted about it on here and was told that it could be ringworms so I brought him to the vet today, but the doctor said it didn't really look like ringworm/mites/lice/mange or anything like that and told me it could be vitamin c deficiency... We feed our pigs lots of veggies rich in vitamin c everyday so I can't see how that could be the case (I looked up some symptoms and they didn't really match either?). Not sure what it could be or what to do next tbh... any advice? Thanks
Fyi, the vet also gave him a full body examination and found nothing wrong with him. He's very active, eats well, and doesn't scratch that area either.
Thanks again!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi,
My 3-month-old male guinea pig recently lost some hair right above his left eye (see image here: Guinea pig eye problem)
I posted about it on here and was told that it could be ringworms so I brought him to the vet today, but the doctor said it didn't really look like ringworm/mites/lice/mange or anything like that and told me it could be vitamin c deficiency... We feed our pigs lots of veggies rich in vitamin c everyday so I can't see how that could be the case (I looked up some symptoms and they didn't really match either?). Not sure what it could be or what to do next tbh... any advice? Thanks
Fyi, the vet also gave him a full body examination and found nothing wrong with him. He's very active, eats well, and doesn't scratch that area either.
Thanks again!

If the area is getting crusty again and continues to get bigger or if you notice more new bald and crusty areas around the body, please treat for ringworm and follow the care advice in the links above.

 

[lucy233]

If the area is getting crusty again and continues to get bigger or if you notice more new bald and crusty areas around the body, please treat for ringworm and follow the care advice in the links above.

Will do, thanks for the help!

 

[WobblyPiggy]

Hi,

I would treat for ringworm/lice/mites etc at home as well...I did it with my sow when she started getting bald patches (she is pulling her fur out) as a just in case precaution as I didnt want to risk it being that...after a vet visit he confirmed it wasn't but took test samples anyway...we carried on her treatment anyway so we could rule it out...if you're not happy with the vets advice you could always take your piggy back...or to another vet if it doesn't clear up...although one of my piggies (he's blind in one eye) he doesn't have much fur around the inflicted eye and that's due to crust as he sometimes scratches before I have a chance to remove it myself and he pulls the fur out with it...so it could be worth just cleaning around the area too to make sure there is no gunk or anything in the area...

 

[Merab]

Hi,

I would treat for ringworm/lice/mites etc at home as well...I did it with my sow when she started getting bald patches (she is pulling her fur out) as a just in case precaution as I didnt want to risk it being that...after a vet visit he confirmed it wasn't but took test samples anyway...we carried on her treatment anyway so we could rule it out...if you're not happy with the vets advice you could always take your piggy back...or to another vet if it doesn't clear up...although one of my piggies (he's blind in one eye) he doesn't have much fur around the inflicted eye and that's due to crust as he sometimes scratches before I have a chance to remove it myself and he pulls the fur out with it...so it could be worth just cleaning around the area too to make sure there is no gunk or anything in the area...

We do not advise home treatment on spec.
@Wiebke is one of the forum health experts and has already given the poster appropriate advice.
I know you are trying to help but we try to be responsible on this forum which is why some members are designated as Health and Illness specialists as we know they have the appropriate knowledge.

 

[VickiA]

With @Merab's Slave. @WobblyPiggy we do not advocate home treating on this forum.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi,

I would treat for ringworm/lice/mites etc at home as well...I did it with my sow when she started getting bald patches (she is pulling her fur out) as a just in case precaution as I didnt want to risk it being that...after a vet visit he confirmed it wasn't but took test samples anyway...we carried on her treatment anyway so we could rule it out...if you're not happy with the vets advice you could always take your piggy back...or to another vet if it doesn't clear up...although one of my piggies (he's blind in one eye) he doesn't have much fur around the inflicted eye and that's due to crust as he sometimes scratches before I have a chance to remove it myself and he pulls the fur out with it...so it could be worth just cleaning around the area too to make sure there is no gunk or anything in the area...

Can I please make the poster aware that in the UK by law only a qualified vet can diagnose, prescribe and treat after a hands-on examination. This forum is a public space based in the UK and therefore subject to UK law. We are not a private social media group.

We also kindly ask any forum members that are not designated members with a badge in their signature whose knowledge and experience we fully trust to please not give any advice in this specially monitored sensitive section unless they are relaying a personal experience in accordance with the above rule and otherwise restrict themselves to posting their support or sympathies.
Health & Illness Notable Posters

 

[lucy233]

Can I please make the poster aware that in the UK by law only a qualified vet can diagnose, prescribe and treat after a hands-on examination. This forum is a public space based in the UK and therefore subject to UK law. We are not a private social media group.

We also kindly ask any forum members that are not designated members with a badge in their signature whose knowledge and experience we fully trust to please not give any advice in this specially monitored sensitive section unless they are relaying a personal experience in accordance with the above rule and otherwise restrict themselves to posting their support or sympathies.
Health & Illness Notable Posters

Hi there, I have another question:
So I am hoping to use some anti-fungal cream on the infected area, but since it's so close to the eye I'm a bit worried. I did some research and while some said as long as I press the cream into the skin really well it won't be dangerous for the eye, while others recommend that it's best to get oral medication prescripted from a vet (which I, unfortunately, don't have right now). Could you give me some advice on this? Thank you so much and I really appreciate your time.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi there, I have another question:
So I am hoping to use some anti-fungal cream on the infected area, but since it's so close to the eye I'm a bit worried. I did some research and while some said as long as I press the cream into the skin really well it won't be dangerous for the eye, while others recommend that it's best to get oral medication prescripted from a vet (which I, unfortunately, don't have right now). Could you give me some advice on this? Thank you so much and I really appreciate your time.

Please do not cream so close to the eye; it can make it swell up. Oral systemic medication would be the easiest way but is sadly out of your reach.
And PLEASE never push fully and hard on an eye!

It is much better to do a fungal bath/dip because it reaches all areas where spores can get shed and stuck in the coat or picked up the from bedding that could cause further infection spots, turning the whole exercise into an endless saga. Creaming won't get on top of the spores as it doesn't prevent the shedding of spores since the infected area is always larger than you think. (See pictures in the last chapter of our ringworm guide).

Please use a cotton bud and just the suds for the areas around eyes, nose/nose and ears.
You can find more detailed practical advice in the Ringworm Care guide link. We have included advice and information on alternative treatments widely available products for members in countries with limited vet and medications access there: Ringworm: Hygiene, Care And Pictures

 

[lucy233]

Please do not cream so close to the eye; it can make it swell up. Oral systemic medication would be the easiest way but is sadly out of your reach.

It is much better to do a fungal bath/dip because it reaches all areas shed spores can get shed on or picked up the from bedding that could cause further infection spots. Creaming won't get on top of the spores as it doesn't prevent the shedding since the infected area is always larger than you think. (See pictures in the last chapter of our ringworm guide).
In a pinch, something like nizoral (human anti-dandruff shampoo) will do although it is rather harsh on guinea pig skin) but please use a cotton bud and just the suds for the areas around eyes, nose/nose and ears.
You can find more detailed practical advice in the Ringworm Care guide link. We have included advice and information for members in countries with limited vet access there: Ringworm: Hygiene, Care And Pictures

I see! I actually already gave both my pigs a bath with anti-dandruff shampoo yesterday as recommended by LA guinea pig rescue but this piggy in particular absolutely HATED it (he is still quite skittish since it hasn't been long since we got them). The info linked says to wash them every three days, but I feel like that will be too much stress on him. I'm thinking about applying shampoo to the infected area every three days and then washing the two pigs (since they have always been together so the other one probably carries ringworm too) completely in a week to two. How does that sound?
Also, how long should I continue treatment after the infected area heals?
Thanks again for the help!

 

[Wiebke]

I see! I actually already gave both my pigs a bath with anti-dandruff shampoo yesterday as recommended by LA guinea pig rescue but this piggy in particular absolutely HATED it (he is still quite skittish since it hasn't been long since we got them). The info linked says to wash them every three days, but I feel like that will be too much stress on him. I'm thinking about applying shampoo to the infected area every three days and then washing the two pigs (since they have always been together so the other one probably carries ringworm too) completely in a week to two. How does that sound?
Also, how long should I continue treatment after the infected area heals?
Thanks again for the help!

Hi

As our Ringworm Guide clearly states in the text and shows in the pictures, your ringworm outbreak is over once no new exudate crust forms in the wake of any treatment.

You will need one more full body bath after that in order to wash out any spores stuck in the coat in order to prevent any further outbreaks or transmission. You will also need to bathe any companions to prevent them from coming down with ringworm somewhere on their body. This is very important and non-negotiable.
I had ringworm carried into my home twice in the coat of piggies that were either recovered from ringworm or had been quarantined with ringworm piggies. In a room with 30 piggies, this was not fun - but thanks to the hygiene measures laid out in our ringworm guide, I could keep it to just one infected piggy with one ringworm patch and no further problems. The last thing you want to deal with is another outbreak.
There is a LOT of practical experience and hard lessons learned over the years gone into our guide. Please take the time to really read the ringworm guide and to look at the pictures.

Personally I have some strong concerns about the LAGPR bathing video (unless they have changed it in the meantime. We have been contacted too often about injuries after freak blind jumps from frightened piggies during baths at human height and not on the ground. Please look at our own illustrated step-by-step bathing guide, which shows how you can easily prevent accidents and freak escapes.
Here is our step-by-step bathing guide with pictures: Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

Here are our piggy whispering tips for plenty of love and assurance as well as how to establish your dominance in piggy ways to claim more cooperation; it does actually really help to speak 'cavy' with your piggy in such a situation!
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

 

[lucy233]

Hi

As our Ringworm Guide clearly states in the text and shows in the pictures, your ringworm outbreak is over once no new exudate crust forms in the wake of any treatment.

You will need one more full body bath after that in order to wash out any spores stuck in the coat in order to prevent any further outbreaks or transmission. You will also need to bathe any companions to prevent them from coming down with ringworm somewhere on their body. This is very important and non-negotiable.
I had ringworm carried into my home twice in the coat of piggies that were either recovered from ringworm or had been quarantined with ringworm piggies. In a room with 30 piggies, this was not fun - but thanks to the hygiene measures laid out in our ringworm guide, I could keep it to just one infected piggy with one ringworm patch and no further problems. The last thing you want to deal with is another outbreak.
There is a LOT of practical experience and hard lessons learned over the years gone into our guide. Please take the time to really read the ringworm guide and to look at the pictures.

Personally I have some strong concerns about the LAGPR bathing video (unless they have changed it in the meantime. We have been contacted too often about injuries after freak blind jumps from frightened piggies during baths at human height and not on the ground. Please look at our own illustrated step-by-step bathing guide, which shows how you can easily prevent accidents and freak escapes.
Here is our step-by-step bathing guide with pictures: Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

Here are our piggy whispering tips for plenty of love and assurance as well as how to establish your dominance in piggy ways to claim more cooperation; it does actually really help to speak 'cavy' with your piggy in such a situation!
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

I will definitely give both of them a good wash afterwards! In the meantime, I will read over all the links you have sent. Regarding the blind jumps, our setup was similar to the demonstration you have provided, so thankfully that is not an issue Thank you so much for the help.

 

[Merab]

Hope everything continues to go well for you.
You are clearly a very caring owner

 

[lucy233]

Hi guys,
It's been a week since we started cleaning my guinea pig's ringworm spot above his eye with Nizoral shampoo. We've been doing it every 3 days and have been extremely careful with not getting it in his eye, and we've made sure to dry the spot thoroughly every time. Today I saw a good amount of fur growth coming back at that bald area and that really made my day! Now I'm just concerned about fully bathing the two pigs at the end of the treatment because I have to shampoo their faces, but I'm worried that I will accidentally get it in their eyes because of how jumpy they were last time we bathed them (the one with the ringworm spot was trying to escape like crazy, and since I am fairly new with handling small animals it was difficult for me to control him).
Any tips on situations like this? Thank you!

 

[WobblyPiggy]

Hi,

I personally put something like a towel or t-shirt on the bottom of the bath/sink...it takes away the slippy aspect for them and sometimes can calm them down a little...if you have someone that can help you as well you could get someone to hold their favourite veg in front of them acting as a bit of a distraction and reward while they're being bathed...have everything prepared for them before they go in so it is a smooth transition from going in to coming out of their bath...once you get a routine down it'll knock time off that they have to be in for...and for yourself try doing it in a clean sink if you tried a bath tub last time...smaller area will be easier to control as you can block one side of it with your body...lastly it just takes time...piggies don't like water...so they will try and escape often...one of mine the only way I can do his bath is by keeping a hand under his belly and slightly raising him up...but I normally end up with a few bites on my arm if I'm not quick enough...

 

[Piggies2023]

Has anyone had a negative culture for ringworm but their guinea pigs still had ringworm? I've been trying to sort an issue for months which looks to me like ringworm because it responds to imaverol and creams but doesn't clear up properly. They've had a hair plucking culture done in the past and it came back negative so they haven't been prescribed intrafungol. The vet has suggested they go under general anesthesia for a biposy. This fills me with fear due to the risk. I am seeing a recommended vet in the area for guinea pigs already.

 

[Piggies2023]

Since posting this, the vet has suggested we try further mite injections to rule that out first. I asked for fungal medication but with mite injections not having a risk this was suggested first. So we shall try that.

 

[Wiebke]

Since posting this, the vet has suggested we try further mite injections to rule that out first. I asked for fungal medication but with mite injections not having a risk this was suggested first. So we shall try that.

Strange - but ringworm would have reacted to imaverol. However, it can sometimes take more than a just a week and three applications.
We have seen cases of occasional misdiagnosis. A lab will test any fungal skin infection for ringworm but not any other form of fungal, so that can sometimes cause problems.

Your vet can try the ivermectin injections; they may temporarily suppress what is going if it is not mange mites but the problem will reappear once the ivermectin wears off. You may want to keep that in mind.

It can of course turn out to be something different - we can only guess as much as you do. However, once you have excluded skin parasites and ringworm, it gets a lot more difficult and problematic.
The pattern is much more typical for a fungal infection than for any of the guinea pig mites (mange or hay mites).

PLEASE keep it to one single support thread in this section (our 1 thread = 1 case rule) so we can check up what has been recommended, done and ruled out.

Since we are all doing this for free in our free time, none of us is able to be on all the time and read all threads so by starting a new thread, you will not necessarily get the quality response you are looking for and we have to spend time we'd rather spend answering other threads or with our own piggies looking up your old thread and merging everything.
Thank you for your future cooperation.

 

[Piggies2023]

Strange - but ringworm would have reacted to imaverol.

PLEASE keep it to one single support thread in this section (our 1 thread = 1 case rule) so we can check up what has been recommended, done and ruled out.

Since we are all doing this for free in our free time, none of us is able to be on all the time and read all threads so by starting a new thread, you will not necessarily get the quality response you are looking for and we have to spend time we'd rather spend answering other threads or with our own piggies looking up your old thread and merging everything.
Thank you for your future cooperation

 

[Piggies2023]

I'm not Lucy233, my guinea pigs don't have crusty eyes. I think we must just have very similar current problems with our pigs. But apologies I did post back in June asking about imaverol and I didn't realise I should have continued that thread with it being a couple of months old.

 

[Wiebke]

I'm not Lucy233, my guinea pigs don't have crusty eyes. I think we must just have very similar current problems with our pigs. But apologies I did post back in June asking about imaverol and I didn't realise I should have continued that thread with it being a couple of months old.

Sorry for the mistake - the very similar username and the same issue with mystery skin complaint had me confused. I've had a very busy and long day at work and my eyes are very strained right now.

You can always pick up your old thread via the Find thread/new threads button by the top bar. Please accept that I cannot remember posts back from June; that already several hundred posts in the past.

Here is the link to your old thread. Could you please re-post your problem on there so we know which case belongs to who and can keep them apart. I can unfortunately not reverse a merge. Thank you.

 

[lucy233]

Hi,

I personally put something like a towel or t-shirt on the bottom of the bath/sink...it takes away the slippy aspect for them and sometimes can calm them down a little...if you have someone that can help you as well you could get someone to hold their favourite veg in front of them acting as a bit of a distraction and reward while they're being bathed...have everything prepared for them before they go in so it is a smooth transition from going in to coming out of their bath...once you get a routine down it'll knock time off that they have to be in for...and for yourself try doing it in a clean sink if you tried a bath tub last time...smaller area will be easier to control as you can block one side of it with your body...lastly it just takes time...piggies don't like water...so they will try and escape often...one of mine the only way I can do his bath is by keeping a hand under his belly and slightly raising him up...but I normally end up with a few bites on my arm if I'm not quick enough...

Thanks for the advice and so sorry for such a late reply! Everything went smoothly and I believe they are now ringworm free!