How to tell if your guinea pig has pinkeye

Guinea pigs commonly get pinkeye from bacterial infections.

Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, will often occur in guinea pigs because of bacterial infections. Pinkeye itself is not life-threatening, but it is unpleasant and unattractive, and its underlying cause may be serious. Before your pet can be treated, you have to know what symptoms you should be watching out for.

Instructions

1. Look for redness or a pink tint in one or both of the eyes. Your guinea pig may appear to have bloodshot eyes. This is the most noticeable symptom of pinkeye.

2. Note whether your pet's eyelids are sticking together first thing in the morning because of dried-up discharge accumulating during the night. You may also notice this symptom throughout the day.

3. Check your guinea pig's eyelids for redness as well. The redness will most likely be along the edges, which will appear inflamed. The eyes themselves may also seem swollen or inflamed.

4. Look for pus and fluid discharge coming from the eye. The fluid may be minimal, or it may constantly leak or drip from your guinea pig's eyes.

5. Take your guinea pig to the veterinarian. This is the only way to know for sure if it has pinkeye. It is also the only way to know what the underlying cause is and to properly treat both it and the pinkeye.

References

• PetMD: Pink Eye in Guinea Pigs