Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Alright, I have a baby sulcata who has an eye infection. I have been to the vet two times in the last week and a half, including 10 days of antibiotics and eye drops. Here's the problem. We can't get her eyes open at all to get the drops to the eye ball. We used saline and I would spend a good 45-60 minutes working on her. She can't see so she won't eat. The vet seems to be at a loss of what to do. Does anyone have any "tricks" to even get her eye to crack open a tiny bit just so I can get the drops in. I am sure that if we can get some in, the swelling will go down. I am running out of time, fast. Please help with suggestions.

1) As always, what's your husbandry like, and are any improvements possible? I'm sure you've asked this question of yourself already, but this problem is more often then not, a heat and/or a substrate problem.

2) What kind of drops are these? Antibiotic only or is a steriod included? Steriods will reduce inflammation, however they are contraindicated in some cases. Your vet likely already has been thinking about this. Remember that the more you "work" at the lid's, the more irritation you're causing, and the more the eyes stay shut.

I can't really offer any more advice without drawing too many conclusions. Fill me in a little more on the "big picture".

Ian

I had this problem about 2 months ago with my russian baby. I had to put the drops on her unopened eyes until they opened a little a few days later, and then continued to put them in her opened eyes till 14 days were up, try putting the drops on as the vet told you to and they may eventully open so you can get them in a open eye I am not A VET but this is what worked for me. if he isnt better soon id call the vet back and see what they say.humidity helped my baby a little as well but i dont think sulcatas are supposed to have alot of humidity a humid hide is ok so he can get in if he wants to but not a whole tank with humidity.try soaking him in warm water that alone may even help.just make sure to dry him off well when you are done.but id say to keep usuing the drops as they may help his eyes to open then youll be able to do it on a open eye.
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~~*Erica*~~
1 puppy-cocoa
1 cat-Livvie
1 chinchilla-Lilo
3 Russian tortoises-baby,Calvin & Hobbs
1 Home's hingeback-Elephant
5 lil monkeys Jake,Matt,Amber rose,Zach,Kaitlin Grace
oh yeah and my husband Dave :0)
and 3 fish aquariums