glaucoma in cavy?

Question
QUESTION: Hi there,

We adopted two cavy brothers from a rescue group in July 2010--they indicated that they were approx. 2 yrs old (so approx. 3 yrs old now).  One of them, Max, has developed bluish looking eyes that are bulging out.  I took him to the vet who thinks it is glaucoma.  He prescribed both eye drops and an oral antibiotic to treat secondary infection, hopefully reduce swelling, and help with pain.  Max continues to eat, drink, & eliminate normally.

I am bringing him back to the vet for a check next week.  The vet said if the meds work, then he will want to take Max off the meds to see if the condition worsens, then he'll know it's a chronic thing that can be managed by meds?  If it doesn't work, then he said one option is to surgically removed Max's eyes?  I am at a loss as to how to figure out what to do--if the meds work, then we can do that as long as Max seems like his happy self.  But if they don't work, is it ok to put a cavy through a surgery like that?  What is the kindest thing to do for a cavy in that possible scenario?  Thank you for your time.  I just want to do the best thing for Max.

ANSWER: Personally Jennifer I think surgery of that extent is something I would not put my own animal through. If he has simple glaucoma he will go blind. If there is a secondary infection that's different. He probably has pain. We know how a small grain of sand can hurt our eyes, so it gives you an idea how painful it can be for a guinea pig.

Guinea pigs also can get cataracts. They don't usually cause pain, just compromises eyesight. The eye drops should give him some pain relief if only to lubricate the eyes. To remove the eyeballs themselves is not a simple surgery.

Many times guinea pigs do not handle anesthesia well and there's the chance of losing him during surgery.  In any event he will lose his sight. But he can live as a blind pig. They still have their sense of smell, and that's all they need. He will still be happy and have a good quality of life. Remember, animals don't have the capacity to feel sorry for themselves. They just take life as it is dealt to them and learn to live with it.

Then of course there's the financial consideration. This cannot be an inexpensive surgery. Your vet would be able to give you an estimate. You might also ask him about giving Max some Prenisolone (a liquid form of Prednisone) to help reduce the inflammation.

Amazingly enough cavies have a rather remarkable way of healing on their own many times. I'm not suggesting he can heal glaucoma or cataracts. And the eye infection needs the antibiotics to help him.

If you're asking what I personally would do, I would try treating by medication only. But this is a decision that has to come from you. You have to do whatever is most comfortable for you. I'm sure you need validation that whatever you decide is okay, and it is.  



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It's been almost 10 days with Max taking antibiotic eye drops and oral medication for pain.  He has continued to eat, drink, etc. like normal.  Wonderfully, his eyes have returned to their normal brown color and are no longer bluish!!  What does this mean?  Was the original diagnosis of glaucoma incorrect and he only had an eye infection?  He goes for a check-up at the vet tomorrow, so I'm eager to see what he says.  Is this what you alluded to when you mentioned that cavies have a remarkable way of healing??  What are your thoughts about this?? Thanks again.
Jennifer

Answer
Yes, that's what I meant. They have a way of healing even when we think they won't sometimes. Of course that's not just a blanket statement. There are exceptions to everything. The pain medication has probably made a big difference as did the eye drops.

Glaucoma doesn't just heal like that. Eye infections will. We can't blame the vet for a misdiagnosis because we can't really say it was. Maybe it was just a grab in the dark. How many pigs with glaucoma probably walk into the office on a monthly basis.

Whatever it was, he's getting better and that's wonderful news. Keep those eye drops on hand just in case it ever returns again.

And thank you soooo much for touching base with me again. I really appreciate it.