new guinea pig with eye problem

Question
We purchased a guinea pig last week for my 8 year old.  I don't know it's sex. We chose it because it was the smallest of three at the store and seem the youngest and least jumpy.  Last night I noticed that one of his eyes is smaller than the other.  It seems to have a whitish film on the center and the fur under the eye seems a little wet.  I have a call into the pet store and am considering brining him to a vet.  He's got a great dispostion, eats and drinks well.  He doesn't seem to be bothered by the eye.  What do you think?

Answer
Hello Leslie,

Congrats on your family's new piggy. I'll include a link to help you identify his/her gender at the bottom of my message. It sounds like he has a cataract (the white film) probably caused by an injury or even an infection. Sometimes they can have a defect called entropion, a genetic defect where the eyelashes constantly rub the eye, but I believe that is more common in both eyes and typically they outgrow it a few weeks after their birth so that's unlikely but it is possible. Cataracts can also be caused by diabetes, but again that's usually in both eyes. A vet is a good idea, in fact I recommend it over home treatment, but the vet will need to be seen ASAP. With eye injuries there is a greater chance for blindness the longer you wait. Both an infection and an injury can be treated at home without a vet (if you can take him to the vet it's always best, and like I said, I recommend that, but with eye issues, treament has to be swift to prevent vision loss and sometimes a vet appointment isn't quick enough). To treat it you will need Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment (typically available at feed stores), a sterile saline solution, and a veggie treat. Flush the eye 2 - 3 times a day with the saline solution then squeeze in a bit of the eye ointment. If he blinks and it accidently gets on his eyelid instead, usually just prying his eye open again will get it in his eye. Then give him the veggie treat for being good (even if he was a bit of trouble). The problem will typically clear up in a week or two. A vet is still the best option though even if you do start treatment before the visit (which is advised if the appointment is a few days away). Good luck and here is the gender identification link I promised.

http://cavyspirit.com/sexing.htm

-kkat
www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs