My guinea has a gunky eye after an encounter with my cat

[jessicaastrid]

Hello everyone I really desperately need help. My cat managed to get in the guinea pig room the day before yesterday. I heard squeaking and ran in, cat bolted. But he scared my 6yo guinea, Cinnamon. He was in shock and leaning to the side but recovered after we cuddled him in a blanket for ages and i thought he'd recover and he does seem better BUT he's still hiding at the back of his house most the time and only coming out the odd time, which isn't like him. I thought fair enough because he's probably recovering but now his eye is gunky. What do i need to do? He is very important to us and want totake no chances. Any thoughts or tips very welcome pleeeaaase x

 

[Claire W]

Hi, I am sorry that your cat got to your guinea pig Please take Cinnamon to the vet for a check up in case your cat has managed to scratch your piggies eye. It may be the reason why it’s gunky. As a cat owner myself, I would want my piggy to be checked over after such an incident especially if he appears to be in shock x

 

[Wiebke]

Hello everyone I really desperately need help. My cat managed to get in the guinea pig room the day before yesterday. I heard squeaking and ran in, cat bolted. But he scared my 6yo guinea, Cinnamon. He was in shock and leaning to the side but recovered after we cuddled him in a blanket for ages and i thought he'd recover and he does seem better BUT he's still hiding at the back of his house most the time and only coming out the odd time, which isn't like him. I thought fair enough because he's probably recovering but now his eye is gunky. What do i need to do? He is very important to us and want totake no chances. Any thoughts or tips very welcome pleeeaaase x

Hi and welcome

Please see a vet very promptly (i.e. ideally today or within 24 hours if at all possible) for an ulcerating eye injury (the ulceration gunk means that it is infected and needs antibiotic eye drops or gel, a lubricant for rehydration and healing support in the deeper levels of the eye as well as an anti-inflammatory/painkiller as soon as possible), plus a general health check, as you should after any direct encounter with a predatory pet. Piggies can easily sustain internal injuries when picked up or shaken.

In the UK, eye injuries are treated as a priority because they can deteriorate very quickly, so any vet will try to squeeze them in as soon as they can. Please ask your vet for all three meds. Speed is of importance in terms of the recovery chances unless the eye is too badly damaged, which only a vet can assess.

Helpful information and practical care advice in emergencies, during a severe illness and until you can see a vet are in these links here:
How Soon Should My Guinea Pig See A Vet? - A Quick Guide
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

All the best!

 

[jessicaastrid]

Thankyou, ringing the vet now xx

 

[Wiebke]

Thankyou, ringing the vet now xx

All the best!

With eye injuries speed comes over specialisation; unless the damage is too bad, injuries/perforations when caught in time will generally heal well without complications.

 

[Betsy]

Let us know how you get on.

 

[Swissgreys]

Please do update us.
Sending good wishes to you and Cinnamon.