Skippy is blind in one eye & the eye is very swollen

[kate]

Hi,
I am raising a squirrel who is about 10 weeks old. She had an infection in one of her eyes before it opened at about two weeks old and she became blind in that eye as a result.

When her eyes opened they were the same size, one was just blue.

Last week, the blind eye got really swollen, and it has not gone down. See attached picture with swollen left eye. I am having trouble finding a vet in my area that will see a squirrel. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Kate & Skippy

[czarina]

So many questions.
First, can you tell us some history about this baby?
Also, can you get more pictures if the eye?
What is the diet of this baby?

You say the same eye was infected before? Did you treat it with any meducine?
Did it respond to the medicine? What are the symptoms of the eye? Is there drainage? Is there mucous? Is it hot to the touch? Does it seem to itch?

Tell us about the overall health of the baby.

I see you are in the Philadelphia area, is that correct? We can see if there are any vets from that area that will see squirrels.

[kate]

So many questions.
First, can you tell us some history about this baby?
Also, can you get more pictures if the eye?
What is the diet of this baby?

You say the same eye was infected before? Did you treat it with any meducine?
Did it respond to the medicine? What are the symptoms of the eye? Is there drainage? Is there mucous? Is it hot to the touch? Does it seem to itch?

Tell us about the overall health of the baby.

I see you are in the Philadelphia area, is that correct? We can see if there are any vets from that area that will see squirrels.


I have had Skippy since she was a day or two old. Some neighborhood kids found her on the sidewalk and brought her to us because last year we rehabbed and successfully released a baby squirrel. Skippy was feed Esbilac for the first few months, and now she is eating Henry's squirrel blocks, fruit, veggies, and snacks. She has a great appetite, and is very healthy except for the eye. Normally, I would surrender her to the local wildlife rehab if she needed medical attention, but with her eye issues I don't think she will last long in the wild, and they release all the animals they get.

When the eye was infected the first time (at about two weeks old) I gave her Amoxicillin for 4 days and the swelling immediately went down and she recovered. Amoxy was the only antibiotic I could get at the time, but it gave her diarrhea, and I read Amoxy is not good for squirrels, so I did not continue her on it for longer then 4 days at such a young age. It did, however, help her get over the first infection.

Lots of swelling is the main symptom of the eye. It does not seem to have any drainage or mucus. The eye ball itself is blue-ish and very large. She does not seem to like it if I touch the swollen area around her eye. It looks painful to me, but I can't tell for sure how much pain this would cause. Her behavior has not changed since the eye has become swollen again. She runs around, explores, eats, sleeps like normal.

Tomorrow I will take more photos of her eye to post, and yes, I am in the Philadelphia area.

[kate]

Here are more photos.

[Sara in NW MS]

Yeah, that swelling doesn't look good at all. I'm not an expert but it almost looks like there's infection behind the eye causing the swelling. Hopefully some more experienced members will come along and help. Just keep :bump your thread if you don't hear back from anyone. They get busy with all the babies this time of year.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Because this was originally associated with an infection I would assume that it has flaired up again as it wasn't adequately treated. The bulging of the eye is very problematic. IF this is indeed an infection, this is serious because it is so close to the brain. I would guess that this is very painful.

I would start the baby on Clavamox (Augmentin) right away. Can you get any antibiotic? I would ask friends.

[kate]

Because this was originally associated with an infection I would assume that it has flaired up again as it wasn't adequately treated. The bulging of the eye is very problematic. IF this is indeed an infection, this is serious because it is so close to the brain. I would guess that this is very painful.

I would start the baby on Clavamox (Augmentin) right away. Can you get any antibiotic? I would ask friends.

Thank you for the information. I found an exotic pet vet in New Jersey who will see her tomorrow. I'll let you know.

[Carol Lynn]

Thank you for the information. I found an exotic pet vet in New Jersey who will see her tomorrow. I'll let you know.

Hi Kate,

I don't want to scare you, but please be careful if you are not a licensed rehabber. I took a squirrel to an exotic vet in NJ once and she was euthanized. In hindsight, it may have been something that could have been treated had I known about TSB at that time. Was the vet introduced to you by someone on the Board? Anyone out there wish to chime in on this?? Just worried, that's all...

Best of luck, and please keep us posted on Skippy's progress!!:grouphug:grouphug

[TubeDriver]

Hi Kate,

I don't want to scare you, but please be careful if you are not a licensed rehabber. I took a squirrel to an exotic vet in NJ once and she was euthanized. In hindsight, it may have been something that could have been treated had I known about TSB at that time. Was the vet introduced to you by someone on the Board? Anyone out there wish to chime in on this?? Just worried, that's all...

Best of luck, and please keep us posted on Skippy's progress!!:grouphug:grouphug

:goodpost

Please be careful before bringing to a vet if you are not a rehabber. There are numerous rehabbers in your area that can help and have legal vet access.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Hi Kate,

I don't want to scare you, but please be careful if you are not a licensed rehabber. I took a squirrel to an exotic vet in NJ once and she was euthanized. In hindsight, it may have been something that could have been treated had I known about TSB at that time. Was the vet introduced to you by someone on the Board? Anyone out there wish to chime in on this?? Just worried, that's all...

Best of luck, and please keep us posted on Skippy's progress!!:grouphug:grouphug

That is a good point Carol Lynn. Kate, definitely be careful ESPECIALLY if you don't know this vet. I also had a baby confiscated by a vet. Not trying to scare you because the baby does need a vet BUT it's always best to know these things so that you aren't caught off guard. I would much rather have known than walked in there totally unprepared.

If there is any talk of 'taking the baby' or 'confiscating the baby' just WALK OUT.

[Carol Lynn]

That is a good point Carol Lynn. Kate, definitely be careful ESPECIALLY if you don't know this vet. I also had a baby confiscated by a vet. Not trying to scare you because the baby does need a vet BUT it's always best to know these things so that you aren't caught off guard. I would much rather have known than walked in there totally unprepared.

If there is any talk of 'taking the baby' or 'confiscating the baby' just WALK OUT.

There are some licensed rehabbers in NJ who would probably be willing to help out. Have you been in contact with any of them? I know of a hospital in NJ that is very good and deals with squirrels, but I think you need to have a licensed rehabber take them in.

[kate]

Wow! Thank you for the warnings! I will be very cautious taking her there. I do not know any licensed rehabbers.

[kate]

Would it be better to give her Amoxacillin again or an antibiotic I have called Baytril instead of taking her to an unknown vet?

[Carol Lynn]

Would it be better to give her Amoxacillin again or an antibiotic I have called Baytril instead of taking her to an unknown vet?

Sorry, I don't really know but will try to find someone who might be able to get you some better advice.

[HRT4SQRLS]

No, the Baytril is not good for this. You might call before you go and ask if there is a 'problem' with bringing a squirrel. Your baby really does need a vet. I would probably risk it but I would be prepared to walk out if necessary.

If you see it's going to be a problem, we can probably help you.

[Nancy in New York]

Would you be willing to drive into Manhattan to see a vet?
If so I will pm you contact info.

[Nancy in New York]

.

If there is any talk of 'taking the baby' or 'confiscating the baby' just WALK OUT.

I just wanted to chime in here. I don't think you can just walk out.
They have the right, I believe, by law, to take the squirrel if that is the way they want to "play".

[Nancy in New York]

Kate may I ask, how did you find this vet?
Was this someone that was referred to you, or just
someone that agreed to see this squirrel?

[Rocky1]

IMPORTANT: SEE POSTS #8 and #10 above

Other than that, I am not a rehabber, but if the squirrel is NOT on any other medications, I would be inclined to restart amoxicillin exactly how you were giving it before. AND drive to Manhattan to the recommended vet or be in touch with the member from post #11. (My thinking is that the squirrels infection may have become resistant to amoxicillin, which is what often happens when a bacterial infection is treated by antibiotics that are stopped before the infection is cured, so a vet will be necessary; however, something also may need to be done very quickly and this is what can be done for now.) That's what I would do. I understand it may or may NOT be possible in your position. Hope this one resolves well!

Posts #11 and #16 above seem to have additional options.

[kate]

Ok. I gave her some Amoxy this morning, and made an appointment with TSB's recommended vet in New York City tomorrow. Will cancel the New Jersey appointment for today.

Thanks!

[Carol Lynn]

Great!! I think you're doing the right thing. Best of luck, and don't forget to keep us all posted!!


Ok. I gave her some Amoxy this morning, and made an appointment with TSB's recommended vet in New York City tomorrow. Will cancel the New Jersey appointment for today.

Thanks!

[Nancy in New York]

Ok. I gave her some Amoxy this morning, and made an appointment with TSB's recommended vet in New York City tomorrow. Will cancel the New Jersey appointment for today.

Thanks!

Did someone give you Dr. P's contact info? Is that who you are seeing tomorrow?
He's top notch! :thumbsup

[czarina]

Kate, you got some great advice here!:grin2
We all just love us some squirrels :serene
Nothing makes us happier than happy, healthy fuzzbutts!

Many health and diet issues can be found here on the board. Please keep us posted on how your baby does.

Also, when giving antibiotics, we suggest giving either yogurt or probiotics , either 2 hours before or 2 hours after you give the antibiotics. This will help with the upset tummy issues.

[kate]

Did someone give you Dr. P's contact info? Is that who you are seeing tomorrow?
He's top notch! :thumbsup


Yes, going to see Dr. P. Thanks for the recommendation!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Good luck Kate! Dr.P is one of the best and you don't have to worry about any 'issues'. :thumbsup

[kate]

Dr. P was very helpful. Gave me Chloramphenicol for possible infection behind the eye and Metacam for swelling/pain.

Thanks Everyone! I will let you know how Skippy is after being on the medication for a few days.

[TubeDriver]

Hoping to hear a good update! :w00t



Dr. P was very helpful. Gave me Chloramphenicol for possible infection behind the eye and Metacam for swelling/pain.

Thanks Everyone! I will let you know how Skippy is after being on the medication for a few days.

[Carol Lynn]

Good news! Hope he starts to show some improvement soon!

[Nancy in New York]

Dr. P was very helpful. Gave me Chloramphenicol for possible infection behind the eye and Metacam for swelling/pain.

Thanks Everyone! I will let you know how Skippy is after being on the medication for a few days.

Thrilled to read this.
Please keep us posted! :hug

[Milo's Mom]

Dr. P was very helpful. Gave me Chloramphenicol for possible infection behind the eye and Metacam for swelling/pain.

Thanks Everyone! I will let you know how Skippy is after being on the medication for a few days.

Excellent! Did Dr. P. also happen to mention the precautions you should take while handling Chloramphenicol? I hope so.

If not, please make sure you ALWAYS have gloves on...like plastic/laytex exam gloves...something that will not absorb liquid. It by no means will kill you, but prolonged exposure has been sited as causing aplastic anemia in humans...and that's kinda bad.

Not tying to scare you, just sharing the info I was given when I was dosing a squirrel with it a little more than a year ago. Oh, and it tastes pretty bad too so a super yummy chaser might be a good idea. :grin3

[czarina]

So glad Skippy will be on the road to recovery.
Really glad you got pain meds. Eyes are an extremely painful body part to have compromised.

[kate]

Excellent! Did Dr. P. also happen to mention the precautions you should take while handling Chloramphenicol? I hope so.

If not, please make sure you ALWAYS have gloves on...like plastic/laytex exam gloves...something that will not absorb liquid. It by no means will kill you, but prolonged exposure has been sited as causing aplastic anemia in humans...and that's kinda bad.

Not tying to scare you, just sharing the info I was given when I was dosing a squirrel with it a little more than a year ago. Oh, and it tastes pretty bad too so a super yummy chaser might be a good idea. :grin3

Yes, they did mention the precautions I should take while handling the medicine. The only way I can get her to take the medicine is mixed in with home made blueberry jam:w00t

[Milo's Mom]

Yes, they did mention the precautions I should take while handling the medicine. The only way I can get her to take the medicine is mixed in with home made blueberry jam:w00t

:thumbsup