5 Alarming Reasons Guinea Pigs With White Eye Discharge Die

The eye health of your little furry is of utmost importance. Do you want to know why some guinea pigs with white eye discharge die?

Some guinea pigs die if they have white eye discharge and it is a sign of an underlying health issue. This could be an infection like upper respiratory infection, pneumonia, or hay poke. It might also be a sign of an ear infection or malocclusion.

Diseases and infections actually affect guinea pigs’ eyes.

In this post, I’ll tell you what serious illnesses cause white eye discharge in your piggie.

1. Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

Upper respiratory infections are pretty common in guinea pigs. This is because cavies have a very sensitive respiratory system. URIs cause a white discharge (crusty eyes) in the eyes.

If the white discharge is caused by URI, it will have these accompanying symptoms;

• Sneezing
• Labored breathing
• Runny nose
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of energy
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Abnormal eye discharge

If your piggie has these symptoms and also has white discharge from its eyes, you should get your little friend to the vet.

URIs can be very dangerous for guinea pigs, so the vet will diagnose the problem and prescribe some antibiotics to treat it.

PLEASE DON’T medicate your fur babies yourself. Certain conditions need to be treated with particular antibiotics.

And you’re only going to know if you’re treating the right one if a vet runs tests to figure out what’s going on with your little friend.

Upper respiratory infections can cause death in guinea pigs within 48 to 72 hours.

2. Pneumonia 

Pneumonia will cause white eye discharge in your guinea pig. This will also be accompanied by conjunctivitis (pink eye). Other symptoms of pneumonia include;

• Labored breathing
• Lethargy
• Wheezing
• Loss of appetite
• Discharge from the nose

Pneumonia develops very rapidly in guinea pigs. It’s one of the leading causes of death in cavies. Pneumonia is one of the causes of sudden death in piggies.

A guinea pig can die within 48 hours (or less) after contracting pneumonia. If you think the white discharge from your pet’s eye is abnormal, consult a veterinarian.

You can note if there are any accompanying symptoms. Any signs of difficulty breathing need emergency treatment.

Please note that guinea pigs hardly recover from respiratory illnesses by themselves. They need treatment to get better.

3. Hay Poke

You have probably imagined those sharp ends of hay poking your little baby’s eye. Well, not only is it a possibility but it happens more frequently. These irritations cause injury in your guinea pig’s eyes called corneal ulcers.

Corneal ulcers can lead to discharge from your guinea pig’s eye. This can also be accompanied by:

• Redness of the eye
• Swelling
• Bleeding in the eye
• Watery eyes
• Pain

If you notice abnormal white discharge in your guinea pig’s eyes, check for hay. Sometimes hay or wood shavings can be stuck in there.

Hay poke can cause an infection that might ultimately lead to your pet’s death.

Daily examination of your little furry can help you catch these issues early.

4. Ear Infection

Although ear infections are rare in guinea pigs, they can occur. They’re Mainly caused by bacterial infections, mainly pneumonia or other respiratory diseases.

Ear infections can lead to white eye discharge in your piggies. Other symptoms are:

• Pus or discharge from ears
• Tilting head to one side
• Loss of hearing
• Deafness
• Ear pain

Serious ear infections can be very serious for your little pet. If the infection travels from the middle ear into the inner ear, it can kill your little friends

It can also affect parts of the nervous system. Your little pet will have issues such as:

• Head tilting
• Walking in circles
• Lack of balance
• Rolling on the ground

Ear infections need treatment so that they don’t develop further. Take your little fur baby to the vet when you notice any of the above symptoms.

5. Malocclusion

Malocclusion is overgrown teeth. Did you know that guinea pig teeth never actually stop growing? It’s why they need to chew on something all the time to keep them grounded.

Malocclusion is a problem with the alignment of the teeth in guinea pigs. This can cause a discharge from the eyes. This happens because the roots of their front teeth grow into the pathway between the eyes and the nose.

The pathway is called the nasal-lacrimal duct and this causes the cavy’s eyes to weep.

Other symptoms of malocclusion are;

• Watery eyes or cloudy discharge
• Increased salivation
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

If a malocclusion is left untreated it will lead to a more serious condition – ileus. This is when your guinea pig’s gut stops moving. This is dangerous for guinea pigs.

They’re herbivores so their gut needs to be moving constantly. A stop in gut movement will lead to starvation. Starvation is deadly for guinea pigs and can quickly lead to death.

Some White Discharge Is Normal For Guinea Pigs 

Guinea pig’s eyes actually secrete some white discharge. This is both to keep the eye moist and used for grooming.

Guinea pigs let the discharge flow down their face. They then use their front paw to groom their face using the white discharge.

The problem is when you notice an extra amount of discharge, the color is off, or you notice a bunch of other symptoms with it. These are all warning signs that something is wrong with your furry little friend.

Be sure to take them to the vet as soon as possible when you notice any changes in their eyes. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

When To Worry About White Discharge From Guinea Pig Eyes 

It’s normal for guinea pigs to have some white discharge from their eyes. But, if the discharge is excessive, or there’s other symptoms that come with it, then you need to take your furry friend to the vet. Some things to look for are:

1. Discharge is Sticky or Gummy 

A sticky or gummy discharge is a sign of an eye infection. This is caused by irritation from exposure to too many bacteria. Fungal spores can also cause guinea pigs to be infected.

2. Greenish or Yellowish in Color 

The most common cause of this is conjunctivitis. It can be both infectious or allergic. Conjunctivitis is caused by viral or bacterial infections. The main symptoms are sore red-looking and discharge ranging from white to yellow or green.

3. If It’s More Watery Than White 

This is also mainly caused by infectious or allergic conjunctivitis. Unlike normal white discharge, you will notice that it’s watery. It will run more down their face leaving it wet.

Wipe your little fur baby down with a damp towel to clean them. Consult a vet because conjunctivitis is a symptom of serious conditions like pneumonia.

4. If the Eye Changes Color or is Protruding 

There’s a few conditions that can make a guinea pig’s eyes protrude;

• Corneal injury
• Conjunctivitis
• Upper respiratory infections
• Pneumonia
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Tumors

These are all life-threatening, so…

Get your fur baby to the vet ASAP. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your little friend won’t recover.

Your guinea pig will need diagnosis and treatment quickly.

5. Crusty Eyes 

Crusty eyes are mainly caused by underlying issues in guinea pigs. In their healthy state, guinea pigs’ eyes are bright and clear. If there is any sign of cloudiness, it usually means your guinea pig is sick.

Crusty eyes are usually a sign of;

• Old age
• Eye injuries
• Pneumonia
• Heart disease
• Upper respiratory infections
• Tumors/cancer

Crusty eyes are actually a telling sign that your piggie is not doing well at all. Take them to the vet immediately if you notice this.

6. Looks Like Your Guinea Pig is In Pain 

Noticing that your guinea pig is in pain isn’t be easy. Cavies are very skilled in hiding any illness and pain so as to now look weak.

White discharge in the eyes can be accompanied by other signs of pain (not fun).

Here are the main signs of pain or discomfort in your little furry;

• Grinding teeth
• Shallow, rapid breathing
• Doesn’t want to move
• Squealing or excessive noise
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Hunched posture and raggedy coat

If these signs are present with white discharge in their eyes, you should take them for treatment.

To be able to catch these signs early, make sure to examine your pet every day.

7. Accompanied By Other Illness Symptoms 

As mentioned above, white discharge by itself is not worrying. Guinea pigs have it in their eyes for grooming and to keep their eyes moisturized. But, the accompanying symptoms are what you should watch out for.

There are several other accompanying symptoms that will tell you all’s not well with your piggie. These include;

• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Reluctance to move
• Difficulty breathing
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Pink eye
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Unkempt coat (spiky)
• Isolated in the corner
• Looks like they’re in pain
• Doesn’t respond to you

Always consult a vet when you feel like your piggie is not well. The earlier the treatment, the higher their chances of survival.

How To Prevent Your Guinea Pig from Dying After Having Abnormal White Eye Discharge

There’s a few things you as an owner can do to help prevent your guinea pig from dying if the white discharge is the result of a life-threatening illness. Take a look:

Get Your Guinea Pig To A Vet

Immediate diagnosis and treatment are life-saving for your little fuzz spud. Many guinea pig conditions and illnesses are actually treatable. It’s important to have a vet examine your little pet.

Keep Their Cage Clean 

Guinea pigs are prone to bacterial infections most of which can come from their cage. Constant cleaning eliminates this risk. Spot clean every day and do a full clean of the cage at least once a week.

One way to ensure your piggies have better immunity aside from healthy food is a clean cage. As long as you keep their environment clean, your little furries will be healthier.

Do Regular Health Checks 

Taking your guinea pig for regular health checks can help prevent life-threatening illnesses. A veterinarian will be able to look for any developing conditions and help you treat them early.

It also helps since guinea pigs hide their illnesses. So a vet check-up will help you get your little pet treated before it gets worse.

Provide A Good Diet and Plenty of Vitamin C 

For proper health, guinea pigs need;

• Unlimited supply of hay
• About ⅛ of a cup of pellets once a day
• Daily vitamin C (Vegetables, fruits, vitamin C supplements)

You can add treats but ensure they don’t have high concentrations of sugar. Guinea pigs cannot digest too much sugar well. It gives them digestive issues.

There’s certain vegetables that have too much calcium, too. Food like that shouldn’t be fed to piggies more than once or twice a week.

If guinea pigs have too much calcium, they can get bladder stones. Bladder stones a very painful and usually require surgery – which is dangerous for cavies.

White Discharge From Guinea Pig Eyes (Pet Parents Tell All) 

White eye discharge is nothing new to many piggie parents. I decided to find out about guinea pig owners’ experience with white eye discharge.

I manually surveyed 98 guinea pig parents to know about white discharge in their pet’s eyes.

• 29 of the respondents (29%) said it was an eye infection. This was caused by injuries in the eye such as a poke by hay. In some cases, it was hair stuck in their eye while in others it was wood flakes. There was one case where there was a seed behind the eye that had to be removed by the vet.
• 23 of the respondents (23%) said it was because of allergies. One guinea pig was allergic to tomatoes. In other cases, it was allergies to beddings (aspen shavings) or hay. Allergic reactions also led to reddening of the eyes. Pet parents noticed that the discharge kept coming out even after wiping.
• 17 of the respondents (17%) were due to upper respiratory infections. This was a case where some pet parents lost their guinea pigs. There were piggies who recovered while for some it was too late. The treatment given by the vets was mainly antibiotics. The pet parents took their little furries for a check-up after they saw abnormalities.
• 13 of the respondents (13%) were due to an ear infection. In some cases, the white discharge had persisted so pet parents took their pets to the vet. In some cases, pet parents had noted abnormal behavior. This was mainly poor balance and tilting head to the side. There were some parents who lost their guinea pigs to ear infections. While in many of the cases, antibiotic treatments from the vet led to a great recovery.
• 10 of the respondents (10%) were because of pneumonia. In this case, pneumonia was accompanied by other signs such as difficulty breathing. The white discharge was not the first sign for many of the parents. It was an additional sign of difficulty breathing issues and conjunctivitis. Some pet parents lost their pets to pneumonia while some recovered well.
• 6 of the respondents (6%) were harmless grooming dischargers. Some pet parents seemed to have no idea why there was “white gunk” in their pet’s eyes. There were some who sought help in the forums while others had actually seen a vet. It was confirmed to them that it was normal white discharge guinea pigs used to groom.

Here are the main highlights of my survey;

• White discharge was pretty common among piggie parents. Many of them didn’t see the need to worry. The issue was when it was wiped and kept coming out. At that point, many parents would consult a vet.
• Any abnormalities in white discharge are alarming. Such as changes in color and density. 
• You should check the rest of their body to know if the white discharge is a matter to worry about or not. 
• If you have any concerns about the white discharge, go to the vet. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Can A Guinea Pig Die From An Eye Infection? 

Yes, an eye infection can lead to death (or blindness)  if not treated. Infections in general can move to other parts of the body. Eye infections in guinea pigs can spread to other areas which can be fatal.

What Causes Sudden Death In Guinea Pigs? 

Sudden death in guinea pigs can be due to pneumonia and heart attack. 

Upper respiratory infections also cause sudden death.  It could also be due to old age, vitamin C deficiency, GI stasis (gut stops moving), or stress.

Other causes include;

• Salmonella
• Poor breeding
• Starvation
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Dental problems

What Is The Most Common Cause Of Death In Guinea Pigs? 

While guinea pigs are relatively hardy creatures, there’s still a number of things that can threaten their health. One of the most common causes of death in guinea pigs is pneumonia or upper respiratory infections.

These infections can be caused by a number of different viruses, bacteria, or fungi, and they can be particularly dangerous in young guinea pigs or those with weakened immune systems.

Another common cause of death in guinea pigs is digestive issues like gut stasis or bloat. Both of these conditions can be incredibly painful and can lead to death if not treated quickly.

Other potential causes of death in guinea pigs include heatstroke, hypothermia, bladder stones, and trauma.

However, by working with a qualified veterinarian, owners can help to ensure that their guinea pigs live long and healthy lives.

What Happens When One Guinea Pig Of A Pair Dies? 

If you have a pair of guinea pigs and one dies, the last one might feel lonely. But, if it seems like the last pig is doing okay on its own, you don’t need to do anything.

But if your remaining guinea pigs seems lonely, it’d be a good idea to find your piggie a new friend.

Each case is different depending on the temperament of the guinea pig. But, since guinea pigs are herd animals, it’s better to find a company for the remaining piggie.

Things To Remember About Guinea Pig Eyes and White Discharge

In conclusion, white eye discharge is normal for guinea pigs. But, if other symptoms are accompanying, then a vet should check your guinea pig.

White eye discharge can sometimes be a signal for a more serious issue. These include upper respiratory infections, ear infections, dental problems, and eye infections. All of these are life-threatening and can be fatal for your guinea pig.

A regular health check and healthy food will help ensure your guinea pig lives longer. Make sure to examine them every day and give them plenty of vitamin C.