Guinea Pig Conjunctivitis (“Pink Eye”): Vet Guide 2025 🐹👁️

— Written by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, founder of Ask A Vet —

1. Introduction

Conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," is a common and sometimes serious eye problem in guinea pigs. It is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva—the soft tissue lining the eyelids and the white of the eye. Causes range from bacterial infection to vitamin C deficiency, dust irritation, or secondary complications of respiratory disease :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

2. Signs & Symptoms to Watch

• Red or swollen eyelids and conjunctiva :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Clear, white, or thick yellow/green discharge :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Pawing at the face, blinking, squinting, or keeping the eye closed :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Conjunctival chemosis—swelling and puffiness around the eye :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Keratoconjunctivitis—when cornea is inflamed too :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Possible signs of respiratory infection—sneezing, nasal discharge :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

3. Underlying Causes

• Bacterial infection: Common pathogens include Chlamydia caviae, Bordetella, Listeria, Salmonella—often associated with respiratory disease :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy): Weak immunity and eye inflammation are known effects :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Dust or poor hay quality: Coarse, moldy, or dusty bedding and hay irritates the eye :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Foreign bodies: Hay or debris lodged in the eye
• Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca): Chronic tear deficiency, often lifelong :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

4. Diagnosis

A comprehensive vet exam includes:

• Ophthalmic inspection with magnification:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Schirmer tear test to assess tear production:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Fluorescein stain to detect corneal ulcers:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Culture or PCR on conjunctival swab, especially for Chlamydia caviae:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Imaging (X-rays or CT) to check for dental or sinus involvement:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Checklist: hay type, vitamin C supplementation, cage hygiene:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

5. Treatment Plan

• Topical antibiotics: Broad-spectrum drops like tetracycline or chloramphenicol, prescribed by a vet to combat infection :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Oral antibiotics: Doxycycline or enrofloxacin for deeper infection or systemic illness :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Anti-inflammatory drops: NSAID eye drops to reduce swelling and discomfort :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Saline flushes: Daily cleaning with sterile saline plugs discharge and debris :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
• Vitamin C supplementation: Ensure daily intake via pellets or fresh veggies :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Hay quality improvement: Switch to low-dust, high-quality hay and deep-clean cage weekly :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
• Manage dry eye: Lifelong lubrication with gel drops like Puralube:contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

6. Eye Drop Administration Tips

Follow vet directions carefully:

1. Clean around the eye with warm damp cloth:contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
2. Gently hold upper eyelid open
3. Place drop ~1 inch from the eye without touching it
4. Administer correct dose; let your pig blink to spread meds:contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
5. Reward with treat or praise for stress-free treatment

7. Monitoring & Follow‑Up

• Expect improvement in ~7–14 days; persistent issues require re-evaluation :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
• In chronic or dry eye cases—maintenance therapy may be lifelong
• Recheck if discharge remains, new redness, vision changes, or respiratory illness occurs

8. Prevention Strategies

• Daily vitamin C through fresh produce and pellets
• High-quality, low-dust hay
• Weekly deep cleaning of housing
• Good ventilation and dust control in pig living space
• Quarantine new or affected guinea pigs until fully recovered
• Immediate dental or respiratory care to reduce eye complications

9. When to Contact Your Vet

• Eye refuses to open or chronic squinting
• Thick or colored discharge persists beyond 48 hours
• Bulging, cloudy cornea, or suspected ulceration
• Signs of respiratory illness—coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing:contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
• Loss of appetite, weight loss, or lethargy

10. Role of Ask A Vet

• 📸 Photo/video triage to assess eye severity
• 💡 Guidance on cleaning, med scheduling, vitamin C support
• 🛡️ Housing and hay recommendations for cleaner environment
• 🔔 Follow-up reminders and monitoring schedules
• 📍 Referral assistance to local exotic or ophthalmic vets

Conclusion

Conjunctivitis in guinea pigs can range from mild irritation to serious infection. With timely vet diagnosis, targeted treatment, improved nutrition and hygiene, and support via Ask A Vet, most cases resolve fully without lasting damage. Prevention is key—keep eyes clean, diet balanced, and housing dust-free. 🐾

Worried about your pig’s eyes? Visit your exotic vet and use the Ask A Vet app for expert, step-by-step support. 📱

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet