Found a baby deer with a swollen eye from an animal attack. What now?

Question

Hi, yesterday we found this baby deer by itself out in our ranch and it looks like he was attacked by an animal and now his eye is really swollen. What can you suggest we do or what should we do? Also mind the dolls in the back, he just chose that spot and hasn't wanted to move from the toys. Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered | 20 lbs

Anna M., DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi, I'm not seeing a photo attached. You may want to try posting the photo again. However, unless there is concern that the injury to the fawn's eye is life threatening, the recommendation will likely be to leave it undisturbed. A doe will leave her fawn in a safe place to hide while she goes to feed, and she will be back to nurse it. Leaving the fawn with its mother is its best chance of survival, and unfortunately there is probably nothing over the counter that would help an injured eye (nor is a single treatment likely to make a difference - eye injuries typically require care for at least a week or more), so treating the fawn would mean taking it from the wild (and away from its mother). As hard as it is to leave it there, it is probably the best chance it has for survival. However, if you are concerned that the eye injury may look serious, feel free to post a photo and we may be able to offer insight if it's worth taking that fawn in to a wildlife rehab. Hope this helps!

Found a baby deer with a swollen eye from an animal attack. What now?

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