Eye problems

Geordie · Post by **Geordie** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:56 pm

One of my Javas (Riff) developed an eye problem when he was about 3 months old, I treat that with antibiotics and eyedrops and the problem cleared up, now another Java (Raff) has developed an eye problem (both had problems with their left eyes). I have started Raff on the same course of medicine but it seems to be getting worse and Raff can't stop scratching his eye. I am putting eyedrops in every few hours but it doesn't seem to help. The antibiotics I give to him twice a day. The cage is always clean (thoroughly scrubbed every 2-3 days, about a 2 hour job).

I held Raff earlier today and opened his eye and had a good luck, I couldn't see any grit or anything in there but the eye is starting to look swollen. He isn't eating as much either. His next health check is on the 19th but I don't want to wait that long.

Any suggestions?

Geordie · Post by **Geordie** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:01 am

I have just noticed this, usually Raffs eyelids are deep red in colour, but the affected eye is now turning white on the eyelids...worried

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:21 am

Geordie....I found this link about Avian Conjunctivitis that could be what your finch has but you would think the antibiotics would help. Let us know what you find out.

http://www.avianweb.com/eyeproblems.html

*Some more info from another website:

CONJUNCTIVITIS: This is the most common eye problem in finches and other birds. it begins with swelling and closure of the eyelids. The conjunctiva may become swollen and protrude from under the eyelids. Pus may collect at the corner of the eye. If the pus is not cleansed away, the eyelids will stick together. The bird may constantly rub the eye and face area on the perches. This problem is mostly caused by irritation, wind, dust, eye worms, tumor or foreign matter. Also, infection from other parts of the body, such as the respiratory tract or the sinuses. I have used an ophthalmological suspension made by Rugby that contains Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfate, and Dexamethasone for swelling. I have also used Terramycin or Erythromycin. Make sure that anything you use in the eye is OPHTHALMIC Base for the eye. I give them one drop twice a day for seven days and I also add Doxycycline in the water for seven days for any infection. In addition, I have used Tylan Injections, you can also use decongestant eye drops. They may not work as well, but you can try, if the infection is not too bad, it may work. Make sure to isolate the bird if you have eye worms around the outside of the eye.

You can try Ivermectin, take a Q-tip and very carefully go around the outside of the eye. The bird will loose some feathers, do this twice in ten days. it frequently takes quite awhile for the feathers to grow back, but at least he is alive and doing better. This is the last measure you will take, when eye problems occur, please take care of it quickly, as there is no time to waste the eye area is very sensitive and the bird could develop other serious problems.

Geordie · Post by **Geordie** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 3:18 pm

Ok, cheers FeatherHarp.

I'm on it. I have only started keeping finches since last September so I am relatively new to this stuff and I really appreciate all the help I get from this forum (the reason I started was that a bloke died who lived next door to me, he had a Java which wasn't cared for very well, his sons didn't know what to do with it and were just about to get rid of it when I walked out of my house and seen what was happening, thats how it started.).

Polly, Riff & Raff are all ok, just worried a bit about Raff's eye, but it seems to be a tad better tonight, I will give him medicine again in the morning and take it from there

Cheers again

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 3:44 pm

Geordie....isn't it funny how a certain chain of events brings us to birds! I am glad you were able to take the Java. Who knows where he would have ended up otherwise. And just think how 'boring' your life would be now with out birds...hehe!

I have a friend who has birds and on two different occasions there was a bird in a cage left on her doorstep with a note asking her to take good care of the bird that they don't want anymore.

Geordie · Post by **Geordie** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 12:08 am

Lol, aye, I know exactly what you mean, people in my neighbourhood are calling me "tori no hito" (birdman). Even my local family store has started stocking bird food for me.

Its amazing how quickly the little buggers grow on you, right now I wouldn't know what to do without them, they are such a joy.