Eye Tearing and Hair Loss

[GuineapigM]

Hello,

I have a four year old female guinea pig. I noticed the other day some tearing, but I wasn't too concerned. Then I noticed two days later that there was a patch where fur was missing near her tear duct. The area started to heal and the fur regrew back pretty quick. But now, the patch seems to be back. I'm not seeing a ton of tearing through, and she isn't scratching the area. Eating/drinking/ and defecating have all been normal. No scabbing/sores under the eyes, not sneezing, coughing or running nose either. Any ideas on the cause? Of course I'm think of taking her to the vet tomorrow...thank you.

[bpatters]

It's probably a fungal infection, and unfortunately, you will need to see a vet for it because it's so close to the eye. There's nothing available over the counter that I know of that can be used in or on the eyes.

[Lynx]

I was thinking fungal too. The tearing could be involved - has it returned? It may be a cause or contributor to the hair loss.

[GuineapigM]

Good evening,

It cleared up but then returned a few days later. There is no crusting or scabbing around the eye, but I think you're right about it being a fungal infection. I've made an appointment for tomorrow. But just so I know what to expect, is it a cream/salve that needs to be applied? How is the medication typically administered for this?

[Lynx]

I am guessing it would be an ointment safe for use near the eye.

[GuineapigM]

The vet perscibed eye drops and believes it is a mild eye infection but not fungal. Eye looks a little better but the fur is not regrowing. Eye drops were administered three times s day, one drop in the eye the other in the corner on the patch. The last day of eye drops is tomorrow. I'm hoping this solved the concern...

[Lynx]

Is the eye watering? Do you have a picture?

[GuineapigM]

I took some pictures, how do I post them on here? I can't seem to figure it out. Sorry...

[Lynx]

You can mail them to me. I will put them up in the morning. I'll send you an email through the mailer so you have my address.

[Lynx]

Here is your clearest picture:

[GuineapigM]

You can see in the corner a small furless patch is still there. Smaller than it was I just hope it stays healed this time. Last time it was back again after a week. But that was pre-eye drops. Eyes a little glassy but not watery, wouldn't you say?

[Lynx]

What I can see looks pretty good. You are in the best position to see the eyes.