One red eye

[tive]

Looking at Zeus last night, one eye seemed red on the inside. Like the Terminator. I think this is a new development. He is 8 weeks old. I read that it may be an infection. I'm going to keep an eye (ahem) on it. His eyes are black, not red like albinos. It was just red inside one of them.
Anyone got any tips?

[souffle]

It is more likely that Zeus is carrying the White belly gene. Does he have a white coloured tummy or a band? Hamsters carrying this gene have a red glow to the eyes and sometimes this is only seen when you take a piccie with the flash or if you catch the light in a certain way.
Infections usually cause sticky eyes with red rims although small injuries or bumps from falls can cause slight haemorhage into the back of the eye. If the eye bulges or swells you need to see a vet as early treatment, usually with steroid and antibiotic drops, can avert rupture of the eyeball. Try shining a small torch in the eye to see if both have the red back glow.
If you breed two hamsters with the White belly gene (Wh) then you get babies with no eyes and other problems. Carriers do not have these problems though. That is why we do not recommend breeding animals with no history or pedigree.

[tive]

thanks Souffle. that's good news. i hadn't noticed it. yup - he is a syrian with black colouring as below. It's the day I got him. Hard to see his belly. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1312940/photo.jpeg

[souffle]

Yes he may well have the White belly gene as it could be hidden in the band and the white tummy does extend right up doesn't it. He is lovely