Change in hen's eye - worried

[Eggcessive]

We have had pharmacists in the past on here who have said that it is fine to use topical Neosporin in the eyes of chickens. There is always some controversy every so often about this, but it is a chicken, and the ingredients are identical. I suspect the topical ointment is not recommended for eyes by the company because most people stick it on their fingers to apply it, thus contaminating it for use in the eye—just my opinion. It is up to the person using it to decide. I am an RN, by the way, so I have used it a bunch.

 

[RNPAULIE69]

That quote above about not getting it in eyes is from a Neosporin info page

The ingredients may be the same but the sterility and ph levels are not and it's considered an irritant..i respectfully agree to disagree. Eyes are fragile and I would never put anything in any eye that wasn't specifically for the eye.

 

[RNPAULIE69]

Can you please cite the source for that? Neosporin is widely advised on these forums, including in/on the eyes. I personally have not needed to use it on my flock except for a comb tear and an earlobe tear, but would use it in the eyes if I thought it would help. Thanks!

American academy of opthalmology ask an ophthalmologist..reply was from a Dr William Barry Lee

 

[micstrachan]

Wait, are you sure about the pH and sterility differences? That certainly elevates my interest.

 

[staceyj]

We have had pharmacists in the past on here who have said that it is fine to use topical Neosporin in the eyes of chickens. There is always some controversy every so often about this, but it is a chicken, and the ingredients are identical. I suspect the topical ointment is not recommended for eyes by the company because most people stick it on their fingers to apply it, thus contaminating it for use in the eye—just my opinion. It is up to the person using it to decide. I am an RN, by the way, so I have used it a bunch.

I agree with this statement.
I had a pediatrician years ago who said in an emergency a fresh tube of topical triple antibiotic ointment could be opened and used to treat pinkeye.

*The manufacturer prepares and packages the ophthalmic version under more stringent sterile conditions.

 

[RNPAULIE69]

Wait, are you sure about the pH and sterility differences? That certainly elevates my interest.

 

[micstrachan]

Thanks!

 

[staceyj]

View attachment 1505466

The section circled is under the heading for ophthalmic “drops”.

I’m certainly not arguing, just saying that my kid didn’t become blind on that camping trip.

 

[Peppercorngal]

I don't know if anyone has heard of this, but many people (like me!) are very allergic to Neosporin. I would imagine other animals can be allergic too. I would like to recommend triple antibiotic ointment just to be sure. A bad reaction to Neosporin can be a clue!

 

[RNPAULIE69]

The section circled is under the heading for ophthalmic “drops”.

I’m certainly not arguing, just saying that my kid didn’t become blind on that camping trip.

I also added a paragraph in regard to particle size for ointments and the strict testing..that I believe would be a concern for corneal irritation