From:
jazmufsky@aol.com
Date: 2003-04-01 23:53:55 UTC
Subject: RE: Bulging eye, what to ask the vet?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <6373312.1049241235625.JavaMail.root@scandium>
Author wrote:
> My little pesty Zoe has a bulging eye. Her right eye is protruding noticably more than her left. There are no behavioral signs of discomfort, or even that she notices it at all.
My Bear, (who is almost six) has the same bulging eye problem. We had xrays done in October 2002 and they revealed a large bony mass to the left of the eye and it has now grown up the side near his ear. (I would be happy to email a picture of the xray if you'd like for comparison.)
Bear had no other symptoms either other than bulging. No outright pain (although it is tender if bumped) and ear cleaning is painful. I had a hunch it may have been glaucoma and I am fortunate to work for an ophthalmogist who did an eye exam on him for me and found nothing unusual; both retinas were symmetrical, the optic nerves were fine, the pressure was slightly elevated from the other and he has the beginnings of cataracts. I don't think he sees well out of it anymore, though. He is a fat, happy ferret with a funky eye and a lumpy head. I do use artificial tears to help keep it moist as I noticed he can't shut it all the way when sleeping.
At the vet conference in Boston this past February, my vet was speaking to Dr. Weiss who suggested one of the problems may be due a problem with a salivary gland. (Any comment on this from the group would be appreciated!) I hope this helps!
Earlicks and toebitings to all,
Trish
HOFA health chair