Have you ever noticed that your guinea pig has a little bulge under their lower lid on one or both of their eyes? Almost like it looks swollen or like it’s drooping? Is it dangerous? What IS it?!

Most likely, your guinea pig has a completely harmless condition called fatty eye.

A guinea pig with fatty eye / pea eye (source)

What is Fatty Eye?

No, fatty eye, also sometimes used interchangeably with a similar condition called pea eye, is not the name of the latest hip hop sensation (though if there were ever a rapping guinea pig… it’d be pretty dang perfect. Magnum Pea Eye? 🤣). Fatty eye is a generally completely harmless condition that some guinea pigs have where their lower eyelid looks puffy or a little droopy. Medically speaking, fatty eye is a ‘subconjunctivial protrusion’ caused by ‘deposition of lipid in the inferior bulbar conjunctiva’ (source) … aka fat deposits under the eye causing it to bulge a little.

Why do Some Guinea Pigs Get Fatty Eye?

Fatty eye can be caused by excessive caloric intake, but also can be hereditary.

Can Fatty Eye be Cured?

While generally there’s no need to do anything about fatty eye, if it’s negatively impacting your guinea pig’s ability to see, or looks inflamed, a veterinarian can use a laser to remove or lessen its effects. This would only be in extreme circumstances. Generally, fatty eye or pea eye is permanent and doesn’t cause any problems for your guinea pig. Some find reducing calories can help it go away, but don’t change your guinea pig’s diet without talking to your veterinarian first!

We hope you’ve learned a little something and this has helped reassure you that your guinea pig is A-OK! Want to learn more about guinea pigs all in one spot? Check out the fully illustrated Guinea Pig Guide book here!