4 year old Thomas

Question
About a week ago, Thomas our 4 year old female guinea pig, started to have some fluid leaking from her right eye. I clean it everyday but it still hardens and closes the eye. Four days ago she stopped eating and drinking. I take her out of her cage and try to hand feed her and give her water but she does not seem to want it. Is there anything else I can do? She is losing weight. She still walks around her cage. She also sleeps more than before. Any advice will be helpful. Thanks, Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa.  A proper examination by your vet would be best at this stage for Thomas.  Usually fluid leaking from an eye is due to a blocked tear duct, but as it appears to affecting Thomas in such a way i am wondering if she has a cyst behind her eye.  If she is not eating or drinking, this is critical.  Without food a guinea pig deteriorates quickly, as their design of gut requires food to pass through it continuously to function properly.  An unwell piggy will turn their nose up at food which is where persistent syringe feeding is necessary.  (I recommend Supreme Science Recovery critical care food, you can purchase this from your vet or via my own online small pet shop.)  Many pigs like the taste of it anyway and find it palatable.  Syringe water every now and then throughout the day, as fluids are very important.
With regards to the eye, i think you should make an appointment with your vet asap to find out what's really going on there, as it appears to be rather serious now.
I hope this helps you.
Becky
www.cavycapers.com