Eye stuck shut every day....

the26thchoice · 12-26-2013, 04:22 PM

but after a little while, it opens. Its almost every day - Harry wakes up, gets up and has one eye (always the same one) stuck shut. It isn't weeping, or sticky, or swollen at all..... And after about 10mins or so of being "up" is has opened and looks fine again!

Anyone have any ideas? He is not a hanster who likes being held much so bathing it every day would be a nightmare for poor Harry! Plus it seems it would be pointless as it just sorts itself out! Don't like to be complacent though so thought i would ask on here!!

Stockannette · 12-26-2013, 05:17 PM

This used to happen to our Flower from time to time, and it happened more frequently as she got older. Similar to your situation: same eye, and after she had been up for a while and washed herself it would open fine. I hear it's common. My theory about why it was always the same eye is that maybe she slept on the same side of her face all the time?

As long as you... keep an eye on it... and it isn't any different color than around his other eye, it may just be normal.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 12-27-2013, 05:48 PM

Yeah if it keeps sorting itself out I'd try not to worry too much and would just keep an eye on it

Wexland · 12-31-2013, 09:13 AM

Hi guys my little Bubbles has been doing this since Sunday too. Being a paranoid new hamster mummy I was hoping for some advice. It's always her left eye and just for a minute or two after she gets up. It's then fine, no weeping or any other sign. If I didn't see her as soon as she got up I wouldn't spot it. Do I need to take any action or leave well alone so long as it sorts itself out? Thanks

racinghamster · 12-31-2013, 09:26 AM

If the eye opens on it`s own and no swelling, weeping or soreness is seen, chances are the hamster is just sleeping more or feeling a change in the environment going on. In rabbits, weeping eyes can mean infection or tooth issues, but generally those need attention anyway by a vet or a rabbit expert who knows how best to deal with it if the problem keeps occurring.

I would suggest just keeping an eye on it and perhaps gently wipe the eye with a slightly wetted cotton ball if the eye fails to open on it`s own after the hamster has a wash or has managed to open the eye on it`s own. It may need cleaned off if it becomes thick or sticky and welds the eyelids closed.

Over production of eye secretions or red pigment (porphyrin) from behind the eye can mean the hamster`s health isn`t too good, so action can be taken either by speaking to your vet, or perhaps looking at the hamster`s environment, diet and routine to see if anything an be changed or altered. Some small animals react to having the same boring routines or diet or not getting enough attention, or getting too much attention. But it`s always a good idea to give them a good once over each day to check for any signs of change. x

Wexland · 12-31-2013, 10:21 AM

Ok thank you for the information. I will keep a close eye on her. She seems fine apart from this. It takes around a minute to open. Looks totally fine other than this. I will seek advice if I see any further change. Iv only had her 2 weeks so hopefully she's not bored with me already. I give her attention daily and she gets plenty of exercise. She's a happy little soul....I think (hope).

racinghamster · 12-31-2013, 10:39 AM

It`s usually nothing to worry about so try not to.

It`s only if you see it worsening or happening to the one eye too much and symptoms don`t clear up after a few weeks. But as I was saying, wiping the eye gently from front to back with a gentle sweeping motion using a wetted cotton ball can help to slacken any dried in gunk stopping the eye from opening. x

Wexland · 01-02-2014, 12:00 PM

Well the good news is that my little girlys eyes seem done again now. No sign of anything as soon as she wakes the last couple of days, hope I just caught her sleeping on it awkwardly or something. Anyway I shall still be looking, can't be too careful.

TierHam · 01-03-2014, 01:11 AM

All of my babies had that issue when they were under a month old. They would wake up with one eye closed. At first I was worried that they were getting into fights with each other, but they weren't fighting then, and a few minutes after they would wake up they would clean their faces and open their eyes.

What kind of bedding are they on? I had them on majority aspen when it happened, and then I switched to half and half Carefresh/aspen mix, and the shut eyes stopped almost immediately. Every once in a while I think an eye from one of my three will be shut, but only occasionally.

Wexland · 01-03-2014, 01:29 AM

Hi Tierham, Bubbles is on paper bedding. It happened 3 days in a row and now appears fine. I saw her emerge yesterday evening and it was fine from the get go. I breathed a sigh of relief I can tell you.