Lost eye.......

It has been a long evening spent in the emergency vets office with Pepe, my oldest glider.

I went to feed, and found Pepe laying on top of the covers. when she is usually on the bottom of the pile. When she lifted her head, I could see something was wrong with her eye. Grabing her, I stuffed her into a pouch and off to the vet we went. Now Pepe is not a glider I have ever carried much, she's too grouchy and nippy. So she isn't used to being in a pouch and she rolls and moves about, won't be still.

When we get to the vets, and I ease her out of the pouch, I can tell, she has completely lost the eyeball. I found it in the bottom of the pouch.

Treatment is to be antibiotics for infection, and a baytril conpound for pain. I'm to take her to another vet more experienced with exotics on Friday. These 2 vets decided together on treatment tonight. No surgery because there isn't enough loose skin on the skull to pull together to close the sore spot. They are hopeing it will heal from the inside.

Pepe must be kept seperate from her cagemates until she heals up good. I am going to have to take her to work with me tomorrow, because one of the meds has to be given every 6 hours.

The only thing I can think of that might have caused the problem, would be a toenail. Although the vet tells me it is not that unusual for something like this to happen because of the way the eyes extend outside the face.

Not one time tonight did Pepe crab, and she only nipped me a couple of times, not a strong bite at all. This is the glider I call my Grumpy Grandma because she will crab every time I even walk by the cage. She allowed me to hold her and pet her, and even trim her nails without a fight when she usually does the aligator roll as soon as I touch a foot. It's enough to make you wonder if somehow she knew I was trying to help her.

Oh Kathy, I'm so sorry to hear about Pepe! It's good to know that you got there & got her to a vet before it was made worse by picking or something. Poor baby. She's not giving you any trouble because she's not really a crabby [censored], it's all an act - now she needs you & she knows you're the Mama & you're going to take care of her. Oh goodness. Give that little girl extra kisses from me, even if she crabs - tell her I'm not scared!

how old is she? what diet has she been on her whole life? im so glad she will be ok.

Oh, heavens! Poor little Pepe! Yes, she knows you are there to take care of her, and any strength she had she wasn't going to waste on her facade to keep you away. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

So, wait, the vet says it's not that unusual for a glider to scratch an eye out, literally, with a toenail? I wonder how many others on the board can relay similar stories, or stories of the eyes being scratched by claws? I don't challenge what the vet says by any means; I'm certainly no expert, but it just seems like the gliders would know better. Unless another glider was scratching and inadvertently scratched and caught her eye. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" /> It certainly adds another sound (and sobering) reason to keeping the toenails trimmed.

Great job on being so observant, noting her behavior changes, and taking her immediately to the vete. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumb.gif" alt="" /> And do give her extra hugs and mealies. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

[:"green"]The only time I've ever heard of a glider's eye coming out of its socket was my own Pika before I got her. She had been attacked by a cat though. I've not heard of any other gliders having their eyes come out of socket...
I'm very sorry that your Pepe is going through this. I hope that she will be better soon. She's very lucky to have such a good glider Mama... Please keep us posted on her recovery.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Kathy, big hugs to both you and Pepe for going through such an ordeal. I have to say though, the only time I had ever heard of the eyes missing is once a glider is dead and that is the first thing the others will remove. Did you by chance have any other tests ran on her to see if there was something else going on to where they may have wanted to *remove her* from the colony?

With the care and love you have for your gliders, I dont even have a thought it may have been something in the cage, but this does seem like an odd thing to happen. Maybe this will bring the two of you closer now and she will know that mommy is there for her no matter what. Poor lil baby.

Poor Pepe!!!!! Poor Kathy!!!!! That must have been so traumatic on both of you.
My best to you both and please keep us informed on Pepe's recovery progress.

Oh poor little baby! So glad you found that baby in time, what a wonderful momma you are and know that suggie for sure knows it and is gonna be your sweet suggie for sure for a while. PLEASE keep us updated as to the progress. Hugs to the both of you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> I must also say, I've never heard of this being "not uncommon", hmmmm. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nixweiss.gif" alt="" />

I have only heard of the eye and eyeball falling out from swelling from a severe infection behind the eye and eyeball. Usually there will be extreme facial swelling befor all ruptures.

Goodness, this has to be painfull. No wonder Pepe is not herself. Poor baby.

Do hope she is on the mend really soon.

I'm so sorry about Pepe. Hope she (and you) are doing better now. I know you will give her whatever she needs to heal, and it sounds like you may even get a little snuggle time during the process. Please let us know how she's doing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Today has gone well for us, I kept Pepe in her pouch at work till lunch time, then let her have the lunch box to sleep in. She seems to doing OK, but I'm a wreck!

Pepe is over 8 years old, the eldest in my trio. It was most likely (I think) that one of the other two scratched her eye and started this.

I made a mistake in saying it was baytril for pain, it is a Torb compound, and she hates it. Must taste really nasty the way she carries on after getting it.

Good to hear Pepe is doing much better. You should see a really big improvement with her in about three to five days.

draw up about .60 ml of Orange Juice and then the Torb. This way... she will get the med first... followed with something good. Do not remove the syringe till she swollows first.

And now, you take care of yourself. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about Pepe. I know she is in good hands. Yes, the reason she probably didn't fight you like normal is because she knew you were there to help her and the little bit of crabbing was her way of telling you Thank you and her nipping you was her giving you love bites for getting her the so needed help. She knews you love her.

Sending hugs your way and hoping for a speedy recovery for Pepe and you too.

Anita <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

Kathy I am sorry to hear about Pepe. I am glad you found her when you did.

Oh Kathy, how distraught you must be and poor Pepe! I'm so sorry to hear this, but I'm glad you caught it when you did. Hopefully she is on the road to full recovery now and both of you can get some much needed rest. Sending prayers and hugs to you and Pepe. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Please keep us updated on her progress.

The sore was drying up nicely, but looks yucky this afternoon. She is not dehydrated, been eating grapes today. Ate at least part of her food last night and a nice mealie snack this morning.

You may want to call your vet to let him know that the socket is no longer dry looking. He may want to do a med change or have you flush the wound with a solution or both.

[:"blue"] Kathy,
I am so sorry for you both. What a week this has been in the glider community.

Poor little one. My goodness how painful that must be but what a wonderful mom and there isn't any better care to be had.

You take care of yourself. You are both in my prayers. [/]

Pepe has started crabbing at me-I think that's the sweetest sound I've ever heard! She must be feeling better.

Vet visit tomorrow afternoon.

Took this photo just now.

OMG! Bless her little heart. I am so glad you found it when you did before her cagemates made it worse. You and Pepe are in my thoughts and prayers.

That is one nasty looking wound-and it does look somewhat infected. I know gliders and other animals can do well without an eye, if that helps any. Perhaps once it heals, the vet will be able to close the wound.

All my thoughts are with you and little Pepe-do keep us updated! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Oh my gosh, that looks horrific! I'm so glad to hear that she's doing well enough to crab at you again. ^-^

Kathy... wow... so glad you found her when you did... hugs to you both...

Just back from the vet. He says she is healing nicely, no sign of infection. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/multi.gif" alt="" /> Finish out the antibiotics. He gave me some Silvadene to put on the wound. Also told me to give her yogurt (which I have been). I've been feeding soft, cooked foods so she doesn't have to chew hard. He checked her lymph glands and said everything seems great. He also took her temperature, which she really hated and crabbed the whole time. I'm quite sure she would have bitten one of us if she could. He held her by the scruff of her neck, and I held her feet. She was very unhappy about that. I have to keep her seperated from the others for a while longer. But the bottom line is, she's doing very well and healing fast. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" />

By the way, Monday Pepe weighed 120 grams, today she weights 123 grams.

yeah! sucha trooper! (you and the little fuzzy!)

Thanks for the happy update! So thrilled Pepe is gaining weight and healing nicely! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

That's really great news Kathy, and I'm so glad to hear it! Hard to believe she'd gain weight while she's ill, but that's terrific! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yelclap.gif" alt="" /> Keep up the good work Nurse Kathy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" />It is with great sadness I must report that Pepe died today.

This morning I found she had not left her bed, and had not touched her food last night. She was very lethargic, and dehydrated. Off to the vet. He did a SubQ injection, and gave a paste to get the good bacteria in her gut a boost.But Pepe died before I got home.

So I must say goodbye to my little grumpy grandma, a friend of 6 years. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/needhug.gif" alt="" />

Kathy, I am so very sorry for your loss. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> It ripped my heart out when I read your post.

She was very loved by you and you by her. Now she has both eyes again and perfect sight.

May your heart heal with time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Oh Kathy I'm so sorry for you!!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />Hugs and Kisses to you!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Oh my gosh!! I'm just now reading this whole post and I'm very sorry to hear about her passing on. You took such good care of her though and did everything in your power to save her. I guess it was just her time. At least now she is no longer suffering. She is probally frolicking with the others at the Rainbow Bridge!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" /> My heart goes out to you for your loss.

Oh, I so not wanted to see your post here in Real Stories.
I am so sorry that Pepe did not make it. Guess she was just too tired and dispite your efforts it was her time to leave you.

May time heal your broken heart. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Many hugs, Kathy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> No words are needed. Just lots of hugs. Here's some more, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />


Jen

I am so sorry for your loss. Just when we thought she was going to make a full recovery and things were looking up. It just breaks my heart to hear these stories. I have not yet had to experience the loss of a baby and pray to God that I won't have to for a long time. Hugs, thoughts and prayers to you Kathy. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

I am so very sorry! I just read this post and you both tried so hard.

Oh gosh Kathy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />...I certainly did not expect to read this here...I thought Pepe was doing so good. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Many hugs to you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />.
Karin

Kathy, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of little Pepe. You are in my prayers. I am sending lots of hugs your way. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Anita <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

[:"blue"] Kathy, like everyone else, I was shocked to see your post in Real Stories. My heart aches for you.

What a blessing that Jojo was there to meet her at the Bridge. I'm sure they have already become good friends just as you and Alice are.

Oh Kathy, Rocky, Natasha and I are so sorry for your loss.
We know you did everything you could for her, and she knew how much you loved her. God Bless you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
From all three of us.

omg that totally sucks. I'm so sorry for you.

*hugs*

[:"green"]Kathy,
I was so shocked to log on & see that this had been moved to Real Stories...
I'm so very, very sorry about Pepe <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" />...
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> to you.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" />I'm so sorry for the loss of your baby, but I know that she is happy over the bridge and can keep an eye on you with two good eyes now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Kathy, I'm so sad to see that you lost Pepe!

You tried so hard---that's what hurts so much!! Everything that could be done, you did it! She was very lucky to know SO MUCH LOVE AND HOPE!!

You'll be in my prayers!

So sorry to hear about your loss <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> It sounds like Pepe was very special and lucky to have you.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Oh, I'm so sorry! I've been following this thread and was so upset to see it moved to Real Stories. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> Hang in there! you did everything you could and Pepe was very blessed to have you there to help.

Kathy I'm so sorry. Wish there was something I could say to take away the hurt. This is the best I can do <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Kathy my heart just fell when I saw your post had been moved to real stories. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I know she will be waiting for you whole & well across the bridge.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

Oh Kathy, I'm so sorry to hear this. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

I too was so upset when I saw that this thread had been moved to Real Stories, I've finally been on board long enough to know what that means and I hate it. I am so sorry for your loss and it just shows again how fast they do turn around <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> God be with you in your time of pain and may time bring you much healing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

Now that I think back onto the week before this happened, I wonder just what led up this.

I had noticed for several days that one of the trio had been sleeping alone, but I contributed it to the heat. Pepe has been moving slowly for some time, I contributed that to old age. Both of these things make me wonder, if the other 2 knew something was wrong with Pepe and shoved her out of the nest, and when she tried to get in with them, a fight caused the eye damage.

The vet visit on Friday must have caused Pepe a lot of stress.

When I saw she ate nothing on Friday night, I was not surprised she died. Just the way she barely moved, and she felt cool to the touch, not warm.

Kathy, I just saw this post, and I am so sorry to see that little Pepe didn't make it. I know how much it has to be hurting you, you've had her for so long. Hugs going over to you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />

An eye is not really a separate organ, but an out pouching of the brain during embryonic development. Loss of an eye brings with it opening the blood/brain barrier and an open tract to the Central Nervous System. Any local wound germs will become meningitis and sepsis in no time. Surgical closure of the dura and big gun antibiotics (such as a daily intramuscular cephalosporin such as Rocephin) would seem prudent. Prophylactic antibiotics that can gain access to the central nervous system and can treat an infection there are important.

What a shock! I am so very sorry to hear that Pepe has passed. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> She is once again strong and healthy and whole, sending her love to you from the Rainbow Bridge. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />

Kathy-I am so sorry. Unhappily, I know too well how you feel and my frequent tears will now be for Pepe and Jojo and the two of us. If these two gliders start comparing notes, you and I are in big trouble when we cross that bridge. alice

I am sorry about your glider. She sounds like she is really attached to you. That is cool. I have only had my two for about a week and they are already getting to know me better. I hope nothing ever happens to them. I wish the best for yours, too.

I'm truly sorry for your loss.

Found out today that Pepe was about 10 years old, not 8. Her original owner was in high school when she got Pepe, and she is now 28. So Pepe was older that I thought.