My hedgehog's eye is badly injured and infected. What should I do?

Any potential eye infection or injury should be considered veterinary emergencies. Atticus should be examined by your veterinarian, a veterinary ophthalmologist or at the nearest veterinary ER as soon as you can. Ideally, any new pet should be examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours of arriving home to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any pre existing conditions.

Thanks for your question about your hedgehog. I didn't see a photo attached, but I can picture what you are describing in your post. I am suspicious that your hedgehog may have a corneal ulceration. What this means is that the front of the eye, the cornea, has been damaged. Treatment would require going to a veterinarian who can prescribe antibiotics and pain medications for the eye. Please don't give your hedgehog any human medications, as many of these can be harmful for both the eye, and for hedgehogs. If left untreated, many corneal ulcerations can worsen, become deeper, and eventually perforate. This can result in the loss of the eye. I would recommend having your hedgehog evaluated as soon as you can. I hope that this gives you a place to start, and I wish you and your hedgehog the best.

The quills may fall off if they were damaged. They should grow back unless the follicle was damaged. You can use dilute Betadine (1 part Betadine to 10 parts water) to clean the wounds until you can get him to the vet on Monday. You should be able to get Betadine at any pharmacy. Make sure it is solution and not scrub. ( https://www.walmart.com/ip/Betadine-Solution-Topical-Antiseptic-Bactericide-Liquid-0-5-Oz/47574887 ) If you can't get this you can go to Petco and get this Vetericyn wound spray. ( ) He will need antibiotics orally so definitely get him to your vet as soon as you can. Watch him closely because I would be more worried about any internal injuries he may have. If he starts to seem very sick you need to get him to an ER vet ASAP. Best wishes.

From the picture, it does not look like Sonic's lost an eye, but the conjunctiva around his eye is so swollen that it is covering his eye completely. This is a medical emergency, and I can guarantee this is very painful to him. You have no option but to take him into a vet immediately.

Poor Simon! Unfortunately, there aren't any over the counter eye drops that would help him feel better. I think the best option would be for them to take him to a vet that sees hamsters. He could have a cut or ulcer on his eye that needs to be address. He may need some pain meds that are safe for hamsters and also some antibiotic eye drops depending on what the problem is. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better really soon!

Hi there. Before applying anything I recommend taking Cedric in to see your vet to make sure that he doesn't have bumblefoot-a type of pododermatitis that can cause the symptoms you are describing. If that is the case, he will likely need systemic antibiotics, as well as a few changes in his surroundings to prevent reoccurrence.

Hi, and thanks for your question. Even though a picture would help to give you a more specific answer, this presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths twice daily. If the cut does not heal in the next 4-5 days or is worsening a check up would be required. Neosporin is not needed at this stage, if the cut is small and minor as you described, disinfection will be enough. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!