scratched eyebal

Question
We have 6 ferrets and have slowly been adding them together. Well all but one are in the same cage getting alone for the most part but two of the female got 'into it' and Penelope's eyeball got scratched. Under her eye was bleeding alittle bit but her actual eyeball you can see is scratched just alittle bit. I know this could turn into an infection and should be treated right awayby a vet but in the mean time what can I put on it to clean it and is their anything I can do to help?? Thanks!

Answer
Hello Jamie,

ANY eye injury should be seen ASAP.  A scratch to the cornea can be invisible to the human eye, so what you do see might only be the surface of the problem.  It would need to be stained and looked at by a veterinarian to see an abrasion.  An untreated scratch can quickly lead to an infection or permanent loss of vision.   

I would bring her into the emergency clinic to have the eye stained.  This only takes several minutes and will save you a lot of worry.  For now, go to a local pharmacy and buy some eye wash.  Rinse the eye well and have it seen ASAP by your veterinarian.  

-Cindy P.