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    Fatty Eye – Why Does My Guinea Pig Have a Lump Under Their Eyelid?

    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.

    guinea pig with fatty eye / pea 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!

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    What is that White Stuff in My Guinea Pig’s Eyes?

    Have you ever noticed that sometimes your guinea pig has white stuff in their eyes? Almost like little milky tears? Does that mean they’re sad? Do they have an infection? Allergies? What is going ON?!

    What if I told you that guinea pigs’ eyes are soap dispensers?

    …….

    Well… not actual soap like you and I would use. But believe it or not, guinea pigs’ eyes secrete a white fluid right before they give themselves a bath. It acts as a cleaning solution! They wipe their eyes with their hands and then wipe themselves all around to get clean.

    Seeing these little guinea pig ‘milk tears’ is completely normal, and if you watch you will almost always see that they take a lil bath when it’s happening. Gives a whole new meaning to getting soap in your eyes!

    When Guinea Pig Eye Discharge is Cause for Concern

    Let’s get past the cringiness of the word discharge and look at when guinea pig ‘eye gunk’ is a problem:

    If your guinea pig’s eyes are looking ‘weepy’ constantly, definitely have them looked at by a reliable veterinarian who treats guinea pigs. Similarly, you will want to seek a medical opinion if your guinea pig’s eyes have any of the following symptoms:

    • Crusty around the edges all the time (a little crust in the corner from time to time can be normal just like yours and mine when we get ‘sleepies’)
    • Cloudy or foggy look to the eye
    • Thick, sticky yucky white/yellow/green eye goop that makes it hard for them to blink or keep their eye open (sorry, I know it’s so gross.)
    • Bleeding or a weeping wound in/near the eye (this goes without saying)
    • Swelling or inability to open the eye

    Worried about a puffy little ‘lump’ under your guinea pig’s lower eyelid? This can also be normal! Read more about ‘fatty eye’ here.

    I hope this has helped put your fears to rest (or at least quelled your curiosity) about the white stuff in guinea pigs’ eyes!

    Want answers to countless other guinea pig care questions AND fully illustrated, step-by-step guinea pig care all in one place? Check out the official Guinea Pig Guide book here!

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