Two baby squirrels Thelma and Louise were rescued by Dr. Laura Witherell, who works at a clinic specializing in cats and dogs. It took no time for Witherell to find that there was something wrong with Thelam’s right eye.

Dr. Michael West, a veterinary ophthalmology resident at BluePearl Veterinary Partners who disgnosed Thelam’s problem said glaucoma is a painful condition. He said he had earlier performed surgery on dogs and cats, even zoo penguins, but never on a squirrel.

On Tuesday, doctors removed Thelma’s right eye during a surgery in Southfield. Thelma weighed less than a pound at the time of the operation.

It took less than a half-hour for doctors to perform the surgery. Three others vets also participated, including Veterinary Ophthalmologist Dr. Susette Aquino, also with BluePearl, and two veterinary technicians.

“I think after she started nursing and taking formula, that was our biggest sigh of relief that she was recovering and getting back to her normal self”, West said.

Witherell said the operation was conducted free of cost. Thelma and Louise came in with a third squirrel about seven weeks ago, but it died, said Witherell. The two are still on formula, but Witherell said she is trying shifting them from it because they are going towards a point where they don’t need it anymore.

She further said she is planning to keep them through the winter and will release them in the country at a park or reserve. The squirrels, now 11 weeks, are eating fruits and vegetables and puppy food, she said.