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[Herbert]

Hi,

First off I will say I made a vet apt for tomorrow.

One of my chins, Frank has been having some eye issues with his right eye.  I noticed 4 days ago that it looks like he maybe had a scratch in the corner of his eye about 1/2 a cm from the eyeball as his fur looks like some was missing when I compared it to his left eye.  I did not let him have any dust baths since and thought maybe it would go away, it looked as tho it was getting better but then this morning before work I noticed that his upper lid is swollen and now covering half his eye.  Has anyone ever dealt with anything like this before, I am an easy worrier and kind of freaking out a bit.

Thanks

[GrayRodent]

You're doing everything right. Don't worry too much about it. This kind of issue is unfortunately somewhat common with chinchillas. Usually after four days an eye infection will clear up on its own. Chances are there is something in there that is causing healing to slow. The vet should be able to give it a close exam and find the source. If not these kinds of problems usually respond quickly to medical treatment. You will probably be given antibiotic eye drops. These typically have few side effects.

If given oral antibiotics ask your vet for advice on hand feeding if your chinchilla stops eating, which is a terrible side effect from oral antibiotics such as baytril and if not addressed as soon as it's observed can escalate into fatality. I've seen some pretty nasty cases come through our boards, way worse than what you describe, which ended in a full recovery. Certainly it is important to find the cause of the itching and scratching.

[BLS Chins]

The vet will likely send home drops for the eye. Ointment can be used as well but drops are much easier to use, so ask your vet if he is able to dispense that instead. Eyes are the slowest healing part of the body so dont expect a quick result. It often takes 10 days treatment or more depending on how bad the eye is. Make sure you hold off on dust baths till the eye is fully healed.

[Herbert]

I took him to the vet on Wednesday and she did a dye test to see if he had any scratches on his actual eye ball, and he didn't so she just sent me on my way.  But of course the day I took him to the vet his eye has looked the best it had in 5 days.  Last night his eye looked all bad again.  He has something that must be irritating it and is scratching it.  I will attach some pictures.  Do you have any suggestions on what I can do to help alleviate his itching so he doesn't dig so bad when he's scratching.

[Herbert]

Another picture

[Herbert]

One more.

[GrayRodent]

Your option is to either request antibiotic eye drops or see another vet that may have more experience. If he is constantly scratching at it then there is something wrong. Considering basic eye drop treatments have little known side effects it may be your best option at this point. At least you've had an exam and and they didn't find anything serious there so that is good news.

[BLS Chins]

A dye test rules out scratches which is good but doesnt rule out a simple infection. The vet should have done a smear to check for that. Drops for the eyes has no side effects and are very safe to use. If the eye doesnt look normal within 5-6 days of the original start, then request drops or see another vet. Eye infections that dont clear up on their own or with meds can be the start of teeth problems so its always best to stay on top of these type of issues

[Herbert]

So I got his antibiotics today and I see that the hair that was on his eye the day the vet did the dye test is still there...I'm guessing this maybe why his eye is still irritated?  Or am I wrong in thinking that. Does anyone know how I can get this hair off the poor boys eye?

[BLS Chins]

you can use a dropper and sterile water to flush the eye

[Herbert]

Thank you!