Bump under Guinea Pigs eye

Question
QUESTION: Hi Becky,
I recently just purchased a surrendered guinea pig from a local pet store. I noticed that under his left eye, he has a bump, it almost looks like a pimple but it does have hair growing out of it. I was wondering if this should be a major concern? It looks as though it keeps him from closing his eye but he doesn't seem to be in pain. Thanks!
Amanda

ANSWER: Hi Amanda.  Sometimes it can be a little difficult when i can not see the pig in question, so i hope my judgement is right by your description!
It sounds like this pig may have caught himself at some point, either by scratching himself (as guineas scratch their eyes with their feet if something is in their eye), or by a hay poke.  These little scabs or pimples as they can look do eventually heal and disappear.  I am concerned however by the fact that it seems to be affecting the closure of the eye.  Could it be possible that whatever has caught the eye may still be present under the eye lid?  Hay husks are terrible for getting stuck in a guinea pig's eyes.  On the other hand it is usual for the eye to water and to turn a creamy opaque color.  If the eye is looking normal, it may be okay then.
Could you send me a photo of the eye, just to help me be sure?
Veterinary attention may be necessary if you think it is dubious looking.
I hope this helps anyway!

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

QUESTION: Hi Becky,

He is able to close his eye, I was wrong about that. I don't believe he has anything stuck under his eye although another family had him for 4 months before we adopted him. The pet store wasn't too informative on his history although he was returned as a biter. Perhaps something happened with the other family had him. He doesn't have watery eyes or the milky looking substance coming from it. He does have a few dried crust but not overly excessive. I'm not sure how to send a picture. I tried to take some but they didn't turn out the best.

Thanks so much!
Amanda

Answer
Hi again Amanda.  I'm relieved to hear that your guinea's eye isn't affecting him in any untoward way, which can only be a good thing.  I think it must be from a scratch, and even a spot created from scratch which is caused from bacteria getting into a wound.  I think it will probably go down eventually.
When i described an eye that has been damaged i meant the eye's colour goes a creamy colour, not that a creamy substance comes away.  If you ever see a milky liquid coming out of a pig's eyes, this is their normal cleaning fluid.  You typically see it when a pig is cleaning himself and his eyes will secrete it when he rubs his nose and face.  Just wanted to clarify that so i didn't confuse you!
If you still wanted to send me a picture you can email it to me via my guinea pig website, cavycapers.com.  I'd be happy to talk further.