SEVERE eye infection needs immediate help!!!

[MNducklvr]

I've recently adopted 5 new ducklings and one of them has a very severe eye infection. I've tried some OTC antibiotic ointments, but it's only getting worse. I've contacted my local vet and was politely told to basically accept it's fate. I refuse to let this poor duck to continue to suffer and determined to make him/her better. Does anyone have ANY idea as to whats wrong and how I can help this poor duckling? BTW, I purchased them from our local Runnings and have had them for just about a week now. His eye is bulged and gooey. Thanks.

 

[Amiga]

I would start rinsing several times a day with saline solution. I am wondering if this is a condition I read about before.

@casportpony , I think I have seen something like this quite a while ago . . .

It's like the nictitating membrane is infected….

Here are some of my thoughts -

Some infections are fungal, not bacterial. Sometimes there are viruses involved. Both these facts mean that antibiotic may not be helpful.
There could be underlying infection, in which case oral or injectable antibiotics - if it's bacterial - would be helpful.
Try putting a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and let the little one wash his or her head in that. Alternate that with saline rinses.

There are opthalmic antibiotic drops - I don't know where to get them, I read about it in Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC!

Any chance you could get a clearer picture?

-Kathy

 

[MNducklvr]

@Amiga - I'll get some ACV tomorrow in the morning and try out that suggestion. As for the saline solution, how strong and can I use either table or sea salt to create the solution?

@casportpony - I'll work on getting some better pics for you. I took those quickly because he/she was struggling to get away.

The good news out of this is that he/she is doing well with the rest of the flock. A wee undersized, but eating and drinking very well. Also has tons of energy

 

[Amiga]

I do not want to scare anyone, I am looking into possible causes. This one is rare, but it's out there, and it looks like it's a parasite, treated with ivermectin. http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/parasitic/ocular_nematode_infection.htm#Characteristics

Here is a recipe for saline solution for eyes. http://www.examiner.com/article/sim...lution-for-pink-eye-and-other-eye-irritations

Adding to ideas - it could be there is something stuck to the membrane - I would hope that frequent rinsing might dislodge it - but do see if you can look as closely as possible for something foreign in the eye. Giving ducky time in a warmish tub of water may help, too.

 

[casportpony]

Oxyspirura
http://parasitipedia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2654&Itemid=2943

-Kathy

Disclaimer:
I know nothing about eye worms.

 

[casportpony]

*If* it is a bacterial infection, this eye drop is a very good one:
http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/store2/antibiotics/opthalmics/ciloxan-eye-drops.html

This is an ointment:
http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/...ramycin-opthalmic-ointment-1-8-oz.-3.5gm.html


-Kathy