White discharge on one eye

[djarenspace9]

Any ideas what it indicates if a squirrel has a white discharge in just one eye?

This is my juvie, Cody, who has some yet unidentified mental development and physical issues.
His appt with Dr. E is on Saturday.
I've noticed today for the third time that he has this discharge in the bottom of the left eye.
The first day I thought it was cause he got some of the Calcium/D3 powder in it.
Yesterday I had not yet given him any of the powder in his food, so I know it wasn't that.
It's a very small amount but very noticeable as it's stark white in contrast to the black eye.
It's along the bottom rim only.
I just saw it now and it was not there a few minutes ago.
It dissipates very quickly.
I did not wipe it off today and it's already gone just while I was typing this post.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

you sure its not a buggy? look at his rear end see if there are any white wigglies there, very small could be tape worm larva

[djarenspace9]

No it's liquid, same eye and same place all 3 times (bottom along lid).
I wiped it off the first two times.
Today I had not wiped it of yet, was typing and then it was gone so he may have rubbed it off on the fleece.

I check his posterior regularly since he is a bit "off" and to make sure he's doing good with digestion.
Always clean and pretty down under!

[Jackie in Tampa]

stress tear... can indicate pain or stress...never have really put a finger on it...
I have seen it many times..
in injured, in pet sqs, wilds, uninjured too,
always something going on though...never in a plain happy healthy sq..
we went as far as dying formula to see if that was it years ago with Christine and her eye problem...
the white tears come and go...
to me, it would indicate something ain't right..
:dono have no clue like I said...have seen this under many different circumstances.
I would boost the immune system though...
something is up somewhere.
:grouphug Cody

[djarenspace9]

Hmmmm

He has not had any formula in the past 4 days.
He took it the first week but then suddenly started eating on his own again
and refuses the formula.
Gets regular food now...blocks, veggies, fruit, a few small pieces of walnut.
I watch him all day he's right next to my desk.
He definitely has issues...acts like he's a 6 week old but is probably 3-4 months.
Has mobility issues (back end...hops...reminds me of Scout).
Eats good, hops around and plays, grooms me, sleeps well...
Waiting for that eval...it was supposed to be Tuesday but they had to reschedule me grrrrrr

[djarenspace9]

Interesting...I found this thread with a similar issue, but doesn't seem to have been resolved conclusively.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29417


I will report back what Dr. E says about it!
If it is stress it would make sense, he is almost hyper-sensitive to sounds and movements around him.

[djarenspace9]

Well, Dr. E said not to be concerned.
Cody checked out healthy and it may have been an allergen response.
I have not seen it happen again, and my mind is at ease.

[ninjasteve]

hi there...our little one "nutty" had something whitish in his right eye this AM..like gooyish, like an eye goober, and my wife cleaned it off...we got home tonight and it looked like it was milkyish in that eye and then it was gone..perhaps he cleaned it off himself...he does sleep on that eye alot...interesting to find this post though as its only in one eye...perhaps his is an allergen as well..i can tell you he has been very odd this whole week but our good friend who is a rehabber said its more than likely hormonal since its that time of year etc..
also that eye that had some whitish in it, if you open his lid to look at his eyeball, it has a slight twitch...kind of weird ,the other one doesnt have it..any thoughts??
thanks!!!

[djarenspace9]

There's certain things I always get the vets opinion on, and the eyes are one of them (or two...haha)
Never like to mess with the eyes or assume something is nothing.
Look at how Pippa had to get her eye removed.
She'd been having issues for a while.
I wouldn't take any chances if you are really concerned.
For now at least keep tabs on it and write down anything you see that is odd.
That way if it evolves you have some info to share with the vet.