Blind squirrel

[lwoods241]

We found this squirrel outside our home, so we brought him inside. Both eyes are shut. He is eating and drinking. Appears healthy other than the eyes. Does any one have any idea what could be wrong?

[lwoods241]

327274

[TomahawkFlyers]

Can you attach a photo so we can better understand his condition?

Jamie

You beat me to it.

[Charley Chuckles]

Oh poor baby glad he's safe with you.
Looks like eyes are oozing. He doesn't look very old.

[lwoods241]

Eyes were dry up until today. We have had him for 5 days. Tiny bit of discharge seen today.

[TomahawkFlyers]

He looks to be a young one. Are there any injuries/cuts/puncture marks, etc. that would indicate an attack by a predator? The eyelid that is showing appears to be crusted over a little. Is that just debris? Will he let you apply a warm wet cloth to soften that up and wipe it away? Are you able to weigh him in grams so we can get a good idea of his age?

Thanks!

[lwoods241]

I’ll try a warm towel to gently wipe away.

No sign of injury outside of his eyes. Moving around and eating and drinking just fine.

I don’t have a scale to get weight. His body length is 7inches not including tail. Tail is bushy which I read can help determine age.

Rehabber I reached out to thinks he is about 8-10wks.

He’s taking squirrel formula and he’s eating Henry’s squirrel blocks.

[lwoods241]

Pic

[TomahawkFlyers]

I’ll try a warm towel to gently wipe away.
He’s taking squirrel formula and he’s eating Henry’s squirrel blocks.

I saw the remains of Henry's blocks on the blanket. You are so kind to go to this effort to help this little guy.

A few things, please be sure the towel is warm and wet enough to dissolve the crusty substance. Try not to wipe before the crust has softened and dissolved. Second, can you tell us what formula you are feeding him? I ask because different formulations from different manufacturers are quite specific to their target species. If formula is off, even by a little bit, there can be adverse effects - including reactions that can cause eyes to water. Last, and it seems you already know this - cow's milk is harmful to these little guys. Formula is the way to go. Eyes open at 4 weeks, so if your squirrel is 8-10 weeks, that is not the issue.

Gotta get back to work. Will check in later this afternoon. There are other folks here who may also ask you questions. They're very good at what they do. You came to the right place!

Jamie

[Charley Chuckles]

And he's friendly I'm guessing ❤️
I've known of some on this board had blind squirrels who lived a wonderful life with love and proper living quarters as climbing is obviously not a good idea👍

[lwoods241]

Feeding him Fox Valley Formula.

Before I got the chance to wipe eyes, he must have rubbed off the discharge on the towels in the cage. No further discharge has occurred.

I’m wondering if anyone has seen this before. If it’s truly blind and born without eyes or is this something that can be helped. Looking for a vet that will see exotic pets in my area.