When a Russian Dwarf Hamster has eye problems it can be very upsetting to see. Especially if they are struggling to see.
There are a few common reasons for eye Russian dwarf hamster eye problems and they are:
- Infection – Under/behind the eye or even within the cheeks or jaws
- “Sticky Eye” -when the eye becomes sticky and hard to open
- Old age is the most common reason for eye problems and sticky eye forming.
Infections – Infections can happen at any time and need to helped earlier than later. Eye infections and cheek infections can cause pain, weight loss and death. It is always advised that you take your hamster to the vet if you think an infection is present.
2. Sticky Eye – This is a condition that happens when something gets within the eye. After a while it will become “gewy” and sticky. Hence the name sticky eye. It is very common with old age and hard to treat.
3. Old age – When a hamster grows older (1, 2 or 3 years of age) they are more prone to infections, sticky eye & much more. This is normal with age.
What You Should Do if your Russian Dwarf Hamster has Eye Problems
If your worried about your hamster then you should take them to the vet. The vet will be able to tell you if there is a problem.
Generally problems like infections swell up (like a balloon) and a can be easy to notice. Vets and medical animal doctors will give you treatments and helpful advice on your individual problem. Do not leave it to late if your hamster is becoming bony, weak and sleeping more than often.
Do you have a problem with your hamster and looking for some advice, help or tips online? Leave a Comment Below.
We’ve had a couple of our hamsters get Sticky Eye. One day I noticed our hamster Daddy had it. Luckily, I had the oral antibiotic Baytril (enrofloxacin) on hand from one of our hamster’s trip to the vet. I started giving him this twice a day for about 2 weeks, and it cleared right up.
NOTE: Because we have had several hamsters for several years now, and subsequently had several vet visits, I am very familiar with their illnesses and the treatments, that is why I felt comfortable administering the medication on my own without consulting with my vet first. I do not recommend this to the average hamster owner, and would absolutely advise you to take your hamster to the vet as soon as possible. (While this condition is not a life-threatening situation in most cases, it is always better to get treatment sooner rather than later in any instance, if only for the comfort of the animal.)Should I have encountered any problems, or had Daddy’s condition worsened, I would have hesitated to take him to the vet ASAP.
Hi Amanda 🙂
Yes sticky eye is very common with older age and its a good job you had oral antibiotic Baytril at hand. We took ours to the vet and they gave us something similar with enrofloxacin too. It is good stuff and within a week had shown improvements. The vet did it though as I wanted to be sure.
Anyone who’s hamster suffers from this should be taken to the vet ASAP because it only gets worse.
Thanks for your story on how you solved this. I am sure it will inspire others in a similar situation to do the right thing.
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