Hamster eye infection... help!

[KoPi]

One of my friend's hamster's eye is cloudy, and I know that means the hamster can have an eye infection. He is refusing to eat and is very old. He had severe weight loss since the last time I saw him. He used to be my hamster but I had to give him to my friend because of my busy schedule. He lives in a big bin cage and has all the good supplies, but I found out she didn't change the bedding for about two months... She said she couldn't afford it. She can't afford to go to the vet... What should she do?

We are very good friends and she asked me to put this on the forum. Any idea what kind of eye infection or any solutions that can be done at home? Thank you...

[Kimberly]

It sounds like the hamster has a cataract. Cataracts (as far as I know) cannot be treated. But if possible, I would take the hamster to the vet because it could just be a treatable eye infection with similar symptoms. Then the vet could prescribe antibiotics. If the hamster does go blind in that eye, however, it might not be too bad because hamsters mostly rely on hearing and smell to get around, due to having poor eyesight either way.
However, if the hamster is not eating, then that is a huge problem and should definitely be taken to the vet. I don't know how much it should cost, but is there any possible way you could fund her so she could take the hamster?
And if not, make sure she is changing the bedding regularly again. The things that pile up are not good for the hamster, which could be a reason why he's ill. Old age is another contribution, but it probably isn't the main reason.
Try to keep us updated on his condition, maybe it'll change, which could indicate something else.

[KoPi]

Instead of store-bought bedding, we had to create diy bedding for him (hamster). I thought her how to mash hamster pellets to feed older hamsters too. After the bedding was changed, he started eating the food we mashed up and his regular food too. His condition is definetely better.

[Kimberly]

Well, that's good that he's starting to feel better and eat again. Make sure his bedding keeps getting changed, since that seemed to help him eat and gain more weight. (:

[racinghamster]

Only a vet would be able to say why the eye is cloudy but it does sound like a cataract due to age. This shouldn`t matter to his overall sight as hamsters tend to reply on smell and touch more than sight. A long as the eye isn`t bulging or weeping.

At this age, your friend will have to be more pro-active in making sure he has more check up`s and attention. Spot cleans are better anyway for hamsters, but the bedding area shouldn`t be allowed to get damp or smelly. Ripping up plain white toilet paper (NOT kitchen towels) makes a nice cosy nest and it`s safe.

The diet is very important as they age because sometimes they need supplementation and help to eat any larger parts of their mix by breaking up any large extruded biscuits and perhaps looking at what the diet is and if he`s still liking it? Could it be added to?

If she can`t see a vet then all she can do is care for him best she can and if he`s ever in real pain or distress, then she won`t have a choice but to see a vet to end his life if it comes to that. But he should be happy enough if your friend keeps here eye on the ball and doesn`t neglect things. x