Eyes don't seem right.

[gregmonsta]

Xerxes appears to have a problem. Before the last shed (1week ago) he appeared to have a general cloudyness in one of his eyes (which looked like some dimpling or result from some burrowing activity. He has since shed, both eyecaps were present in the shed and now I have this problem - both eyes don't seem 100%. The eye with the previous problem still looks the same and the other eye looks terrible. In some ways it looks as if it's a retained eyecap but then again I'm not sure.
I decided to soak it and investigate using tweezers today. I can grab the surface of the eyecap, it appears looser than it should be but is firmly connected. I could try some prolonged soaking but every shed has always produced two intact eyecaps ... could he have possibly made two at any given time?

[adamanteus]

Unless you're very certain that it's a retained eyecap I would hold off with the tweezers. Because of the nature of a snakes' eye, with the permanent brille on it's surface (transparent, fused eye-lid, if you like), any infection on the surface of the eye is trapped behind this brille. Attempting to remove the brille, believing it to be part of an incomplete slough, could be very damaging.

[gregmonsta]

Should I try some some regular dabbing with iodine based disinfectant? I think it could be an eye infection because it doesn't seem right ... I've managed retained eyecaps before and they are definately 'easy' to deal with.

[guidofatherof5]

Sounds like the eye needs a scope put to it. Probably the most difficult and scary time for me is when I have to work with a retained eye cap or anytime I'm working with their eyes.

[gregmonsta]

It's a bit nerve-wracking for sure ... don't want to stress the little blighter out

[gregmonsta]

Ok ... after some research I'm going for small dabs of anti-inflammatory cream and I'll track down a triple antibiotic cream (like neosporin) asap. Definately an infection with the fluid buil up behind the brille.

[drache]

sounds scary
good luck getting that under control
here's what i've been able to find about a condition called subspectacular abscess:
"Infection under the spectacle, involving the subspectacular space, is a common problem. Infection is thought to occur either from a penetration wound, or from the mouth via the nasolacrimal ducts, or from systemic infection and hematogenous (bloodborne - r.) spread. It can also be associated with conjunctivitis. Although with a primary infection only one eye is affected, with septicemic spread the infection could be unilateral or bilateral.
The spectacle appears cloudy or white (leukoria) and may sometimes, but not always, be distorted. In cases of unilateral involvement, whether the infection s local or secondary is important. White blood cell counts and sometimes blood cultures are necessary for differentiation. If the infection is secondary to septicemia, then locating the site of origin of the primary infection and undertaking treatment of this at the same time as dealing with the subspectacular abscess is important.
Treatment and obtaining material for cytology or culture requires a small wedge resection of the spectacle (spectaculotomy) and removal of the material. This should be performed under anesthesia for greatest control and comfort to the reptile. On opening the subspectacular space a swab should be taken of any material and submitted for culture and sensitivity; a stained smear may be useful in confirming a bacterial infection. The subspectacular space should then be flushed out with balanced salt solution or another suitable solution and an ophthalmic antibiotic solution such as ciprofloxacin or gentamicin. Depending on the culture and sensitivity results. systemic antibiotic treatment may also be necessary."
this is from the Mader tome - hope it helps

[anji1971]

Hope you can get on top of that infection, Greg. Sounds serious.
Best wishes!

[gregmonsta]

conjunctivitis - I'd been wondering about this - like I said it did look as if he'd damaged one of his eyes (possibly scratched the brille on one of the objects in the tank). I'll keep working on the cream and do some research. So far silver sulfadiazine cream looks like a good option - apparently on a par with gentamicin. I'll track some down.

[guidofatherof5]

conjunctivitis - I'd been wondering about this - like I said it did look as if he'd damaged one of his eyes (possibly scratched the brille on one of the objects in the tank). I'll keep working on the cream and do some research. So far silver sulfadiazine cream looks like a good option - apparently on a par with gentamicin. I'll track some down.

I can't say I'm an expert at its use but I don't think I've ever read anything about it being used for an eye infection. I'm not saying it couldn't be used for it but I would find out for sure before using it in that way.

Did a quick google for using silver sulf. for eye infections. Saw it both ways. Yes and no. Nothing about reptiles though. Purdue University did a study for its use on horses.
Other studies about the hazards of its overall use. I'd check with a good Herp. Vet.