Possible eye infection?

[Teacherjannon]

Hamster possible eye infection?

My hamsters eye appears to look like it’s a little swollen shut/has discharge, I applied a wet compress and that helped open it up, but it seems like more than just regular sticky eye? The hair around it thinning is odd to me, but is it just aging maybe? She is over a year old. She has a vet appt on the 24th but I just wanted to check with Reddit and see what other people think until then.

First 2 pics are before I applied the compress, last photo is after. (Yes I know her skull is strange, she is brachiocephalic.)

 

[Maz]

Hello and welcome. She is very sweet looking. It's possible it's an eye infection. Is it sticky or closed at all when she wakes up? The 24th is quite a long time to have to wait for an appointment, but if that's the earliest you can get, then the best thing is to keep an eye on it and occasionally bathe it with tepid saline if it closes up or gets sticky. I think it'll need to be an exotic vet to understand about brachiocephalic hamsters.

The eye doesn't look too inflamed or weepy, just a bit closed up.

 

[Teacherjannon]

Yes, today and yesterday upon waking up she’s had it closed, and then when I apply the compress it opens. And yes, this is the vet I typically see since they specialize in exotic animals and small pets, and I’ve brought hamsters to them previously. Thank you for your help!!

 

[Maz]

You're welcome. I think that's all you can keep doing till you get to see the vet. Does she seem well and doing normal things otherwise?

 

[Maz]

From what I know of Brachocephalic hamsters, they can be prone to eye problems but it's usually an eye protruding too much, so in a way it's a good sign it's not that and hopefully it just needs some antibiotics.

 

[Maz]

Do come back and let us know how she goes on - it would be really good to hear more about her. There's also a section on here where the hamster can have a diary thread where you post updates and photos on the hamster and people can follow

 

[RainbowBrite]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Maz has given you great advice. I hope the vet appointment goes well.

 

[Maz]

Yes, today and yesterday upon waking up she’s had it closed, and then when I apply the compress it opens. And yes, this is the vet I typically see since they specialize in exotic animals and small pets, and I’ve brought hamsters to them previously. Thank you for your help!!

I've been doing a bit of research and apparently brachycephalic hamsters can be prone to sinus issues which can cause watery eyes. Hopefully the vet will be able to help with that.

 

[Teacherjannon]

You're welcome. I think that's all you can keep doing till you get to see the vet. Does she seem well and doing normal things otherwise?

Yes, eating and drinking as normal, running on her wheel, and comes right out when I open her cage as usual, so that has been reassuring to see.

 

[Teacherjannon]

Do come back and let us know how she goes on - it would be really good to hear more about her. There's also a section on here where the hamster can have a diary thread where you post updates and photos on the hamster and people can follow

Ok! I’ll be sure to update

 

[Maz]

Yes, eating and drinking as normal, running on her wheel, and comes right out when I open her cage as usual, so that has been reassuring to see.

That's great that it doesn't seem to be bothering her.