Has anyone seen this eye condition before??

[Mouse&Chubs]

Hello, our rescue received a 10 week old female squirrel. The finders brought her to us because something was wrong with her eyes and she was struggling to navigate her surroundings. When she arrived, it was obvious she was now blind. I’ve attached 3 photos of her eyes; 2 of her left, of which, is the worse and clearly causing pain. Not sure if the line of missing fur means there was a scab or some sort of physical trauma that caused this, but her other eye is similar, but not as bad. Has anyone seen this before or know what it is? She was prescribed Clavamox (po BID for a week) and antibiotic eye ointment (twice a day for 2 weeks), but haven’t seen any improvement. The vets weren’t even sure it would help. Any advice or insight is appreciated. We just want to cure this sweetheart if it’s possible!

[Mel1959]

Cloudy eyes can be from injury, but we have also seen it from poor nutrition. It can also be a genetic condition or infection. The fact that it’s both eyes leads me to believe it’s not due to injury. If she were mine I’d offer formula as well as Henry’s Picky or Hazelnut blocks. You’re already addressing the possibility of infection with the ointment and Clavamox. If you think she’s in pain you could give some metacam.

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hello:
I'm so sorry for this little Squirrel's obviously serious eye condition! What is the "eye ointment" that you were prescribed? I agree with Mel in that there are quite a number of possible causes for the cloudy eyes including infection, injury, glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), cataracts (cloudiness of the lens), retained foreign bodies and more! The condition of eye cloudiness is very critical, however! Is the condition seeming to be getting worse (or better) or has it remained stable since you received her?

Ideally, your Squirrel should be seen by a Veterinary Ophthalmologist (a veterinarian who specializes in eye diseases and eye conditions). Few will see wildlife however but I would strongly recommend trying this avenue of evaluation if at all possible and the sooner, the better! Some Exotic Animal Vets may also have developed more familiarity with Eye Disorders than some other Veterinarians. Squirrels with permanent blindness can have a "good" life but they are obviously Non-releasables. Your little Squirrel may very well need a loving Forever Home! It may be worth beginning a search for possible Squirrel parents.

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Mouse&Chubs]

She's been getting FV 20/50 since she's been at the rescue and eats healthy blocks. The eye ointment is neomycin and polymycin b sulfates and bacitracin zinc. We also don't think it's from an injury due to the fact that both eyes are affected. Her eyes seem to be about the same since we got her, maybe a tad bit better after we cleaned her, and her eyes up. It's been about 2 weeks and she has finally resisted the ointment, but she's never attempted to bite us or anything; she truly is a sweetheart and is playing with her "brother" right now. We'll look into an ophthalmologist; however, those will be hard to come by in my area. Thank you!

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

She's been getting FV 20/50 since she's been at the rescue and eats healthy blocks. The eye ointment is neomycin and polymycin b sulfates and bacitracin zinc. We also don't think it's from an injury due to the fact that both eyes are affected. Her eyes seem to be about the same since we got her, maybe a tad bit better after we cleaned her, and her eyes up. It's been about 2 weeks and she has finally resisted the ointment, but she's never attempted to bite us or anything; she truly is a sweetheart and is playing with her "brother" right now. We'll look into an ophthalmologist; however, those will be hard to come by in my area. Thank you!

I'm glad that you are going to check the possibilities for a visit with an ophthalmologist! Diet seems good! After 2 weeks it is doubtful that the eye ointment is going to be of benefit but this is just my preface to a concern about using Neomycin ointment on the eyes or using it on the skin for that matter (such as with Neosporin ointment) and that is that of all of the topical antibiotics, Neomycin is probably the one most likely to cause an allergic reaction which can involve the conjunctiva (the covering over most of the eye except the clear front part called the cornea where light passes through) as well as the eyelids and surrounding skin.

Also, it certainly would seem, intuitively anyway, that if there is involvement in both eyes, an injury can be ruled out as this would require an unlikely coincidence BUT this is not necessarily true. Just for an example (I'm not suggesting this is what is going on), there can be an exposure to an irritating substance such as certain fiberglass based home insulation when a Squirrel gets in an attic and this can obviously and even predictably involve both eyes. In other situations, even if only one eye (and certainly if both eyes are involved) is irritated or injured, an animal will try to rub both eyes compulsively and a Squirrel can easily injure herself with her sharp claws and cause a scratch or abrasion or even a perforation into the eye; any of which could potentially involve both eyes. Fights may easily result in injuries to both eyes as can even vigorous play between littermates.

Please keep us updated on your Squirrel's condition. Has she been given a name?

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I'm glad that you are going to check the possibilities for a visit with an ophthalmologist! Diet seems good! After 2 weeks it is doubtful that the eye ointment is going to be of benefit but this is just my preface to a concern about using Neomycin ointment on the eyes or using it on the skin for that matter (such as with Neosporin ointment) and that is that of all of the topical antibiotics, Neomycin is probably the one most likely to cause an allergic reaction which can involve the conjunctiva (the covering over most of the eye except the clear front part called the cornea where light passes through) as well as the eyelids and surrounding skin.

Hello again:
I tried to edit my post and add a question after I had reviewed your photos but I was too late: It appears that there is some hair loss around the eyelids. Was this present when your Squirrel was first brought to you or did this develop in the past two weeks?
Regards,
StS

[Mouse&Chubs]

We were thinking the same thing about the neomycin. Yes, her name is Rae and she's loves playing and cuddling with her brother (his name is Wren). I did find an ophthalmologist that's willing to see her, but the earliest appt is 2 weeks away, and we're really hoping this vet doesn't say "euthanasia" like most vets do (*eye roll*). If we go this route, I'll be sure to post an update, but in the meantime, we'll put out a message to find a home for her because we also think she'll be NR. Thanks again!

[Mouse&Chubs]

Hello again:
I tried to edit my post and add a question after I had reviewed your photos but I was too late: It appears that there is some hair loss around the eyelids. Was this present when your Squirrel was first brought to you or did this develop in the past two weeks?
Regards,
StS

Yes, I noticed the hair loss a couple of days ago. I've only had her for a week, whereas the owner of the rescue was caring for her the first week; so I cannot confirm. I've stopped the eye ointment for now and will see if any hair starts to grow, if it does. Thanks!

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Yes, I noticed the hair loss a couple of days ago. I've only had her for a week, whereas the owner of the rescue was caring for her the first week; so I cannot confirm. I've stopped the eye ointment for now and will see if any hair starts to grow, if it does. Thanks!

I believe that to be the best plan as far as the ointment is concerned.

It's great to hear that you were able to get Rae an appointment with an ophthalmologist! I wish it could be sooner than two weeks, however! Maybe Rae could be also be placed on a waiting list (if they have one) in case someone cancels their appointment prior to Rae's already scheduled appointment and then Rae could be seen earlier?!?

Thanks for your care and concern for baby Rae and as well as for her brother Wren!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Mouse&Chubs]

I believe that to be the best plan as far as the ointment is concerned.

It's great to hear that you were able to get Rae an appointment with an ophthalmologist! I wish it could be sooner than two weeks, however! Maybe Rae could be also be placed on a waiting list (if they have one) in case someone cancels their appointment prior to Rae's already scheduled appointment and then Rae could be seen earlier?!?

Thanks for your care and concern for baby Rae and as well as for her brother Wren!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Well, little Miss Rae is a lucky girl... they had a cancellation, so she's going to be seen this Thursday!

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Well, little Miss Rae is a lucky girl... they had a cancellation, so she's going to be seen this Thursday!

That is fabulous news!!! Please let us know what the ophthalmologist determined is the diagnosis and what if anything is recommended for treatment! I certainly hope that something can be done to improve things for Little Rae! Thanks again!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Mouse&Chubs]

That is fabulous news!!! Please let us know what the ophthalmologist determined is the diagnosis and what if anything is recommended for treatment! I certainly hope that something can be done to improve things for Little Rae! Thanks again!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

The ophthalmologist diagnosed Rae with corneal scarring/fibrosis in both eyes, but her left eye (the one that was worse), has an active infected corneal ulcer. She is completely blind in her left eye, as suspected, but her right eye does show reflexes to light and some shadows/movement, but she cannot "see" with it. She's being treated with 0.3% ofloxacin drops TID in both eyes for 3 weeks (definitely a stronger antibiotic). It was also suggested for her to be given Systane or Genteal PF eye drops for lubrication 5 minutes after giving her the ofloxacin to help with the healing process. He suspects abnormal development of her eyes and suggested that grooming and accidentally scratching herself in the left eye could have caused the infection/ulcer. Less like causes are trauma or viral infection. Unfortunately, Rae will most likely not recover sight in her left eye, but there's promise with her right eye; so, she'll be deemed NR. Overall, not a horrible dx, but she's a total sweetheart and everyone loved her! The techs praised how well behaved she was and that she was better than dogs... not a single scratch or bite. I'll continue to tame her for her new forever home. Thanks again everyone for the insight!

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

The ophthalmologist diagnosed Rae with corneal scarring/fibrosis in both eyes, but her left eye (the one that was worse), has an active infected corneal ulcer. She is completely blind in her left eye, as suspected, but her right eye does show reflexes to light and some shadows/movement, but she cannot "see" with it. She's being treated with 0.3% ofloxacin drops TID in both eyes for 3 weeks (definitely a stronger antibiotic). It was also suggested for her to be given Systane or Genteal PF eye drops for lubrication 5 minutes after giving her the ofloxacin to help with the healing process. He suspects abnormal development of her eyes and suggested that grooming and accidentally scratching herself in the left eye could have caused the infection/ulcer. Less like causes are trauma or viral infection. Unfortunately, Rae will most likely not recover sight in her left eye, but there's promise with her right eye; so, she'll be deemed NR. Overall, not a horrible dx, but she's a total sweetheart and everyone loved her! The techs praised how well behaved she was and that she was better than dogs... not a single scratch or bite. I'll continue to tame her for her new forever home. Thanks again everyone for the insight!

Thanks for the update! Considering that Rae's prognosis could have been poor secondary to irreversible blindness in both eyes; the current assessment is quite encouraging! Hopefully, Rae will be able to have at least some functional vision with her right eye! Thanks again, Mouse&Chubs, for your concern, care, and love for Rae! Please let us know how Rae is doing!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Mouse&Chubs]

Thanks for the update! Considering that Rae's prognosis could have been poor secondary to irreversible blindness in both eyes; the current assessment is quite encouraging! Hopefully, Rae will be able to have at least some functional vision with her right eye! Thanks again, Mouse&Chubs, for your concern, care, and love for Rae! Please let us know how Rae is doing!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Hello, just wanted to give an update on Rae, as today was her follow up checkup. She is doing SO MUCH better! Her corneas are no longer infected and the doctor was able to see a pupil and iris in her right eye. While it’s still cloudy, she’s improved significantly, and so has her sight! It’s not 100% in her right eye, but it’s better and that’s what matters. Her left eye still doesn’t have sight and we suspect it never will. Her hair grew back too! After a few days on the eye drops and after the swelling went down, I saw her left eye was much smaller than her right eye. The doctor confirmed this and he now believes her eye issues were developmental and congenital. We have stopped the antibiotic drops and will continue with artificial tears/lubricating drops since her left eye is much drier than her right eye, due to the developmental issues and trauma. She’ll meet her new family in a few weeks! Uploaded some photos so you could see what she looks like now! 🥰

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hello, just wanted to give an update on Rae, as today was her follow up checkup. She is doing SO MUCH better! Her corneas are no longer infected and the doctor was able to see a pupil and iris in her right eye. While it’s still cloudy, she’s improved significantly, and so has her sight! It’s not 100% in her right eye, but it’s better and that’s what matters. Her left eye still doesn’t have sight and we suspect it never will. Her hair grew back too! After a few days on the eye drops and after the swelling went down, I saw her left eye was much smaller than her right eye. The doctor confirmed this and he now believes her eye issues were developmental and congenital. We have stopped the antibiotic drops and will continue with artificial tears/lubricating drops since her left eye is much drier than her right eye, due to the developmental issues and trauma. She’ll meet her new family in a few weeks! Uploaded some photos so you could see what she looks like now! ��

Thank you so much for the very encouraging update! I wish you the very best little Rae! I also wish you the very best Mouse&Chubs! You have provided the most splendidly loving and conscientious care for Rae! You have made Rae's story a success! I hope her new family will provide the same level of care for Rae and you have!
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel