Blind? Or something else?

[ArmyofChi]

When I was cleaning the cages out tonight I noticed that Tiny, our old guy, has an enlarged eye and he seems to be blind (didn't acknowledge my finger wagging at him until I touched him). His other eye is completely fine. Neither have any kind of discharge. Also there was some hair loss near the base of his tail. I instantly thought of malo but he's not drooling, eating fine and his weight is good.

He's fairly old (somewhere between 16-20 years) so I thought maybe this could just be an age-related thing. But when they go blind does the eye become enlarged (as a way to try and take in all the light it can)? Or could it be swollen because he's bumped into things?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Kansas City Chinchillas]

I don't think the eye would become enlarged due to blindness. It sounds like he may have an infection or some other problem.

 

[tunes]

I agree with Cathy. I have now and in the past had blind chins. Their eyes are not enlarged. They look normal unless they have a cataract, which makes the eye look milky. Enlargement would make me think of injury or illness.

 

[starleomach]

I agree. Enlarged would seem to be more of an injury

 

[ArmyofChi]

They look normal unless they have a cataract, which makes the eye look milky.

His eye does look milky, which is actually the first thing I noticed and why I started comparing it to the other eye. I had a dog that had cataracts when he got older so I recognized it.

Could he have an infection without a discharge? I have a feeling it's an injury from the blindness. Of course I had to notice this at 8pm, so I'll be calling the vet's tomorrow to make an appt.

 

[tunes]

Yes, there can be infection without discharge, especially if the eye itself is scratched. But if it's all milky, and at his age, it's very possible it's a cataract.

 

[ArmyofChi]

Thanks for the help! Hopefully it's nothing too serious.