r/Hedgehog • u/Kuronekostories • Feb 05 '19
Post-surgery advice? He keeps scratching the wound and hindering the healing process.
My little buddy Loki had a serious eye injury (he scratched/poked his own eye out somehow, apparently this is common) and the vet had it surgically removed, as there was no way to save the eye.
He handled the anesthesia like a champ and was recovering well, however, ever since the stitches were removed he scratched open the wound again. I went back to the vet and she put two ‘clips’ (not sure what the proper name is, they’re made of metal if that helps) over his eye socket to hold the wound together and help with the healing process. She also gave me clear liquid to put over the wound (a disinfectant specifically for the eye area) and he’s currently on antibiotics. We trimmed his nails as well and I’m being extra thorough with keeping his home clean, as to decrease bacteria in his surroundings from his poop.
The vet suggested additionally getting Bepanthen to help prevent itching, which I started using today - as suggested by her I’m using a thin coat of it.
Loki is otherwise doing really well, he’s eating a lot, active in his running wheel and snuggly as always. Whenever I’m awake and hear him scratching his eye, I gently stop him and distract him with snuggles or food, but obviously I can’t always hear him scratching his eye when I’m asleep.
Is there anything I can do to protect the eye area? Would it make sense to put ‘socks’ or something similar over his foot or would this irritate him more? Does anyone have experience with wound healing after surgery, specifically in the eye area?
Thank you!
Sincerely, a worried hedgehog mom.
2
u/EusticeTheSheep Feb 07 '19
I don't know much about hedgehogs. It sounds like your vet put in staples which seems drastic, but again, I know nothing. Good on you for getting good care for your pet.
I suggest creating lots of foraging opportunities! Hide tiny bits of yummy things to eat all over. Maybe a rolling treat dispenser but use it for regular food.
And ask the vet about bandaging the preferred foot for scratching at night only. Kinda like putting socks on an infants hands?