Today we are looking at the condition of Fatty Eye which is sometimes called Pea Eye.
Although initially quite alarming Fatty Eye is a generally harmless condition that some Guinea Pigs develop as they mature.
What is Fatty Eye?:
- A swelling of the conjunctival tissue beneath the eye.
What does it look like?:
- A white or pink rim around the bottom or side of the eye.
- Sometimes only one eye is effected, sometimes both.
What causes it?:
- It’s largely an hereditary condition passed down from an effected parent.
- There is speculation that it can be caused by rapid weight gain, water retention or even heart problems.
- But since there are numerous overweight pigs with and without heart conditions that don’t have Fatty Eye it seems quite a tentative link.
- In my experience it is just a harmless bulge.
What treatment is available?:
- Treatment isn’t needed unless the protuberance is restricting vision or preventing the eyelid from closing.
- I believe sometimes it is possible to laser the tissue away.
- You should speak with a vet if Fatty Eye is causing problems.
A number of the Squidgypigs have Fatty Eye, these are all descendants of Ned who had a very noticeable case of Fatty Eye.
We have thankfully never had any problems with it impacting on their health and I actually find it quite endearing.
Squidgypigs 
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