Eye slightly closed?

[Hammy Chum]

Yesterday eve when Chumley came out his right eye was slightly closed - should I be worried?

For context:

Hes eating and drinking normally, (had his fruit snack and took his food back into hide plus saw him eating too eg not just pouched)
He went on his wheel normally (watched him for two hours before we went to bed)
Seemed a bit slow and groggy when woke up then did brighten up more after 10m mins and seemed more himself
Had normal wees (in his sandbath as usual)
He's now 16-17 months
There was no bulging, redness or discharge etc in his eye, just looked like he was half asleep in that eye (eg one eye bright and normal one half closed). Couldnt see any other swelling etc around it on that side.
He wasnt rubbing it or seeing like he was noticing it or it was bothering him
No change in food or bedding materials etc. He's due to be cleaned out (we only do it every 8 weeks or so as hes such a clean boy and usually wee's in sandbath etc)

Any advice gratefully received! He's gone back in normally this morning from what I can see (he goes in around 5am) and covered his this entrance as normal, wont be out til 9pm is tonight. But I do worry about him!!

 

[Socks' Mum]

Do you have a photo? You could send a photo to your vet to screen. The vet might want to take a look at him. You have observed little Chumley carefully so the vet will have a clear idea of what is going on. I hope he gets better soon If he will let you, you could try gently cleaning it with moist cotton wool.

 

[Hammy Chum]

No stupidly I didnt take one! In terms of cleaning it I didnt think of that as it wasnt gunky or looking like it needed it at all - just half closed - you know sometimes when they yawn and their eyes close? Like that?

I dont actually have a vet. We need to sort one I think, at least in case? Not sure what to do, see how he is when he comes out? But it will be 9pm ish??

 

[Hammy Chum]

Also dont know whether to try and clean him out tonight now if theres somethimg in his bedding? or try and check in him earlier? I never usually wake him but sometimes if i gently remove the lid from his house he'll appear from a burrow

 

[Socks' Mum]

You could have a discreet sniff of his burrow. If there is an ammonia smell, it might be making his eyes a bit runny. Sometimes they take a wee underground where the ventilation isn't that good. It wouldn't do any harm to take him to a good vet for a checkup. Finding a good hammy vet can be tricky though. You want a vet who can examine hamsters without scruffing them, won't give them penicillin or steroids. It's good to be registered in case of emergencies and a check up lets you meet the vet and ask him or her questions. It doesn't sound very problematic. Sometimes after a bit their eyes open again without intervention.

 

[Socks' Mum]

You could have a discreet sniff of his burrow. If there is an ammonia smell, it might be making his eyes a bit runny. Sometimes they take a wee underground where the ventilation isn't that good. It wouldn't do any harm to take him to a good vet for a checkup. Finding a good hammy vet can be tricky though. You want a vet who can examine hamsters without scruffing them, won't give them penicillin or steroids. It's good to be registered in case of emergencies and a check up lets you meet the vet and ask him or her questions. It doesn't sound very problematic. Sometimes after a bit their eyes open again without intervention.

Sorry, the icon should have been a heart not lady doing meditation

 

[Hammy Chum]

I think I'll plan to clean him out tonight, and see how he is when he comes out. He will go in his playpen which hes not a big fan off but I can do a good clear out then in his nest area.

I will start a hunt for an exotic vet around here too in case. Cant help feeling worried, althugh at least he was eating / drinking / running / weeing fine which from what i can see are first indicators something not ok.

Doesnt help he cant really be picked up either, although assuming a vet would give him a whiff of gas to check anything of need be??

 

[Socks' Mum]

A routine exam shouldn't need sedation as long as the vet knows what he is doing. Does he nip? If not, a good hamster vet will be able to do an investigation without extra measures. Poor fellow, I don't think hamsters enjoy a vet exam, but he should be fine. If you can, ask the surgery if they are experienced with hamsters and rodents as lots of vets aren't

 

[Hammy Chum]

He does nip.... He tolerates a stroke when eating but I definitely dont think he'd allow a vet to handle him.

I've just found a vet locally that apparently is ok with syrians and registered him in case. She said they have appts tomorrow so I will see how he is tonight I think and go from there??

 

[Hammy Chum]

I'm wondering whether to try and lift his lid and see how he is now??

 

[Socks' Mum]

I'm glad you have found a vet. I hope Chumley won't be too nippy I think he will probably groom himself and if nothing is amiss, it should open by itself. But seeing the vet (albeit out of one eye) is not a bad idea for a general check. I hope things go well for sweet and grumpy little Chumley

 

[Hammy Chum]

I really hope so. Decided against disturbing him so far.

 

[Maz]

It might just be a sticky eye. That is quite common when they get older and the usual thing is to just dab it with a bit of tepid water - I use the corner of a soft microfibre cloth, some people use a cotton bud. Not so wet that it soaks him but a bit wetter than wrung out damp. It can maybe take two or three dabs and it doesn't unstick straight away, but usually does quite soon after. Sometimes it does unstick straight away, and although they are not keen on the dabbing, they are usually so happy when it's open again! Visibly happy. They can actually stick completely closed and not free up on their own. Other times they can free up on their own.

It would help to see a photo to see if that's what it might be, but it is very common and easily solved. Any other eye problem would need a vet but if it's not bulging, inflamed or watering, then it might just be a sticky eye. Sleep in their eyes.

 

[Hammy Chum]

Maz i think that must have been what it was - he's just come out (lured with cucumber his best fave thing) and thank goodness he looks better. it was almost closed but now wide open.



I'm so relieved. Will keep a close watch on him next few days.

 

[Maz]

His little nose He's gorgeous. It is very common as they get older and it might stick again but you know what to do. Is he well and healthy otherwise?

 

[Socks' Mum]

Great to see his eye is looking well and comfortable again

 

[Hammy Chum]

Thank you both for your help! Yes @Maz I think he's still a healthy boy, still full of energy for his age, runs for ages on his wheel and eats and drinks well. And In know love his little nose!! And still stubborn / cheeky!