Nystagmus of the eyes

[missy]

Yossi, my 3 year old boar, often sleeps with his eyes open and I've often noticed his eyeballs flickering vigorously while he's lying down and resting (presumably asleep). I always assumed that this rapid eye movement was just the normal thing which occurs when pigs sleep, like when humans dream and our eyes move about a lot.

Anyway I've just read about "nystagmus" (never heard of it before). It was in relation to guinea pig strokes. I'm assuming that Yossi hasn't had any strokes as this flickering happens often and I would've surely noticed other signs of him being unwell, if it was stroke related. But learning about nystagmus got me thinking....

Is eye flickering during resting/sleeping normal and nothing to worry about? If this flickering is "nystagmus", does it only occur as a result of strokes or can it indicate other issues? I'm really worried now. From the description it sounds very much like what I've seen with him.

 

[:) zoe :)]

i wouldn't worry too much, there was another thread like this, and people said they do this when they are dreaming

 

[missy]

Thanks Zoe - I didn't see the other thread.

Phewy!

 

[Laura-CCC4]

I don't know anything about nystagmus, Susan, but I can say some of mine also appear to have the Rapid Eye Movement/REM stage of sleep. Flicky ears too, which are just too cute!

 

[missy]

.....some of mine also appear to have the Rapid Eye Movement/REM stage of sleep.

That's really reassuring to know. Thanks Laura x