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Old 02-13-2018, 05:33 PM   #1
Quicksilver
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Default Unable to open eye (elderly hamster)

Hi following recent advice about using warm water and cotton wool, it worked for a couple of days but our elderly hamster (2 years 6 months) is not able to open one eye now. It's totally solid fur due to sleep crust and sticks out from his eye. We've tried with cotton wool/warm water and are not sure what else we can do to help him as stresses him out when with have. Does he need a trip to the vets or do we leave it? Ralph is sleeping quite a lot nowadays and don't want to upset him but not being able to see must be difficult for him.
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Old 02-13-2018, 10:12 PM   #2
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Default Re: Unable to open eye (elderly hamster)

You could try putting eye drops in, I had a ham who had a problem with her eyes for a while & the vet suggested using the dry eye drops sold for humans which seemed to help so you could try that or just ask your own vet & see what they might suggest.
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Old 02-13-2018, 11:30 PM   #3
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Default Re: Unable to open eye (elderly hamster)

Thanks Cypher - I'll see what the vet suggests about eye drops. Happy to try anything so that Ralph can have sight in both eyes! I use dry eye drops and they work for me
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Old 02-13-2018, 11:42 PM   #4
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Default Re: Unable to open eye (elderly hamster)

Good luck, hope you can find something that works for Ralph too
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Old 02-14-2018, 02:02 AM   #5
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Default Re: Unable to open eye (elderly hamster)

It's quite a common thing to get a crusty eye when they get older, but it is possible he could have an infection/conjunctivitis and eye drops would help with that, as mentioned. Sounds like seeing the vet and maybe getting some prescribed, or they may clean it for him.

Our last Syrian had this and although I left it at first, not wishing to hassle him, I did decide to soften/clean his eye with some warm water and a damp cloth and although he didn't like it, he was very pleased when it was done and he could open his eye and seemed visibly happier/relieved!
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Old 02-14-2018, 01:54 PM   #6
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Default Re: Unable to open eye (elderly hamster)

Quick update - Ralph went to the vets tonight and has been prescribed eye drops. The vet feels its mainly due to his old age and this might help with getting his eye open. Drops are for both eyes as the other eye is starting to get slightly crusty now. The fun part will be administering the eye drops!. The vet demonstrated this and advised its probably best if a two man job. Ralph was very fearful tonight at the vets but he's calmed down now and sleeping, will be getting a treat of boiled egg later tonight. I've noticed there is a post on administering eye drops -am going to check this out too in case the vets advice proves tricky due a very wriggling hamster Thanks for the advice Serendipity and Cypher.
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Old 02-14-2018, 03:07 PM   #7
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Default Re: Unable to open eye (elderly hamster)

Good luck with the eye drops - do hope they help.
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Old 02-14-2018, 10:36 PM   #8
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Default Re: Unable to open eye (elderly hamster)

It's not the easiest thing putting drops in their eyes when they wriggle about! Hopefully it will be easier at home than at the vets though, hope the drops work for him.
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