I did think about the soap residue too, but the thing was SLIMY, it needed to be washed. I just used foaming hand soap, and rinsed it out really well of course. In the future I’ll put it in the dishwasher. But yeah, I really think he has an eye infection.
There are a few “exotic” animal vets around here and that’s where I recently took him to the emergency vet (that’s the absolute only 24 hour exotic animal vet in the whole state, I hear) but as far as I know none have prepaid programs. And my boyfriend has pet insurance for his dog so I checked that out and could only find ones for cats and dogs.
I’m sad about every animal I’ve lost too, and considering I’ve always had many multiples of animals at a time, that’s a lot of loss. For me though the joy they give me during their all-too-short lives outweighs the pain of their going. Most have died of old age and age related ailments, and most I’ve had to help out of this world via euthanasia (which is another level of suckitude).
But contemplating NOT having animals in my life makes me want to curl up and do nothing but cry - they are a mainstay in my world. Losing beings that you love should hurt, it means that you are a loving and caring person. Loving (and being loved) is wonderful, but it’s not always easy.
For a general FYI, you can get Terramycin eye ointment at feed and livestock stores - Tractor Supply carries it OTC and reasonably cheap too.
Also, I’m not a reptile expert, but I think the eye problem is more likely to have come from food or bedding or handling. A regularly rinsed and refilled water dish should not grow nasty things.