Swollen eye

[Emilymm]

Hi, so we've been having some trouble with our dwarf hamster's eye lately. Her eyelid was swollen, red, and there was a lot of discharge in her eye. We brought her to the vet and he prescribed her fusidic acid eye drops. She's finished her course of eye drops, and although her eye isn't red anymore and there's much less discharge, her eyelid is still swollen to the point where she can't fully open her eye. She's quite old (a year and 11 months) so I'm not sure if she's just not able to heal anymore. Does anybody know what could be wrong? I'm sick with worry!

[souffle]

Hi Emily - eye problems ar not uncommon in dwarf hamsters. It does sound like an infection. The eye cream you were given is a good one but it does sound as if she needs to continue with it a bit longer. I've had this where as soon as you stop the problem returns. It can become a chronic problem. I would take her back for another check. A change in drops or cream may help such as one with a steroid to take down the swelling though this type can only be used for about 7 days. Sometimes they do get a little stye on the eyelid and this can burst and empty on its own. Sometimes the tear duct is afftected and they cannot drain the tears and produce sticky tears which means the eyes need bathed often as well as using human artificial tears which you get at the chemist. All things to discuss with your vet but it may take a while longer for the eye to get better so be sure to persevere. I hope she improves soon