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Old 06-03-2018, 12:24 AM   #1
HamHelp
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Default Eye issues?

Hi, pretty new here. A Hamster kind of just fell into our lap, by somehow entering our apartment. So instead of taking it to the Humane Society we decided to keep it, Ive heard a lot of times they euthanize small rodents and it kind of broke my heart to hear that.

Anyway, this little guy has been sleeping a lot. He wont eat treats, but does eat his hamster food a little at a time and I can tell hes been out when we arent in there because things are moved around.

He is pretty young looking. The issue is, everytime we go and wake him up to check on him, his eyes are glued shut. He seems to get around fine. We try our best to get them open with water and cotton, in which we do most of the time, but he squints.

We are new to Hamsters. Are we just not giving him enough time to adjust? I admit in 3 days we have changed his material 3 times. We used Pine at first, but then read the horror stories and he hated it,so we immediately made him a toliet paper bed that night and switched to paper bedding tonight.

What I found funny, is he filled his entire little plastic house with toliet paper and was nestled at the top. Was pretty cute.

We cant really afford a vet atm. We barely could afford his supplies, like I said this was all dropped on us suddenly and we didnt want the little guy to be put down.

Are we not giving him enough space? Will he clean his own eyes open? We usually leave him sleep all day and dont bother him. Will it just take a while to adjust?

Not trying to sound panicked, we just want what's best for the little guy.

Any advice is appreciated.
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Old 06-03-2018, 01:08 AM   #2
velma
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Default Re: Eye issues?

Hi, welcome to the forum. What a way to get into hamsters! You're right - they don't like too much change so unless something is a health concern or safety risk then best not to change too much and let them adjust. He may have for irritated eyes if he's been crawling through dusty ducts to end up in your apartment. If it doesn't clear up then ultimately, he will need a trip to the vet but in the meantime you can use a cooled saline solution applied in some cotton wool to help open them.
I'm sure you already did but did you try putting a flyer through the doors of the other flats in your building? He's come from somewhere and it's surprising how far they can get crawling though back spaces and walls and someone out there is probably missing him.
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Old 06-03-2018, 01:10 AM   #3
HamHelp
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Default Re: Eye issues?

We knocked on a few doors. A flyer is a good idea though, ill make one up and print it off at a shop tomorrow.
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Old 06-03-2018, 01:51 AM   #4
IamKat
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Default Re: Eye issues?

It's really nice that you've taken him in. The saline solution is a good idea, if you boil some water and add a little salt, let it cool down and apply with cotton wool to clear the eye, don't try and pull it apart obviously. But.. he may have developed conjunctivitis or some other infection... so if you just make sure there is no pus or discolouration if you start to see any of that its vet time, unfortunately. Eye infections can get a bit out of hand if left for too long. Are you in the UK? If so, vets are normally about £25 - 30 a visit but some vets do a new customers deal (like £10 off of something) so might be worth looking into that if things get worse. But as the others said ^ if the little guy belongs to someone it'd obviously be the best case scenario to get him back to them . Apart from eye treatment, I'd leave him alone for a while as best as you can to let him settle a bit. Good luck!
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Old 06-03-2018, 01:51 AM   #5
cypher
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Default Re: Eye issues?

Are his eyes clear when they are open? In the first photos you posted it did look as though they were a bit cloudy, it could well just be irritation from the dust etc as velma said but if they aren't clear you may need to see a vet at some point, keep a close watch on them for now.
You're doing the right thing wiping with saline, you can also use human eye drops for dry eyes for hams which can sometimes help.
I think the most important thing is to give him a chance to settle now after his stressful adventure & arrival in a new home, hopefully he'll be fine now.
Well done for taking this little one on btw!
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Old 06-03-2018, 06:25 AM   #6
HamHelp
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Default Re: Eye issues?

He has some gunk in his left eye, his right one is mostly clear. Im in the US, so our vets can get a little out of hand with pricing. I really dont want him to suffer, but im not sure what else I can do atm. I might call the vet today and explain my situation, maybe they will have a heart and take a look at him. Doubtful, but I really am broke until pay day. Im trying. >_<
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Old 06-03-2018, 08:00 AM   #7
dreamtree1234
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Default Re: Eye issues?

Hopefully, his eyes will clear up with the saline solution that the other members had mentioned and he won't need to have a vet visit. However, if he does, I will be hoping that the vet will kindly give his advice and understand your predicament. If not, you may also want to consider asking them if they have a payment plan which will allow you to pay very small portions of the bill over an extended period of time. Another option is to go to a rescue shelter and see if they have any suggestions to heal his eyes; they may be more willing to help without requiring payment since their goal is to rescue and save lives of animals that are abandoned, neglected, or injured in the wild. I'm not sure if you live in a city that has a university with a vet school, but I know some are always willing and eager to help animals in need with illnesses or injuries and they typically do not charge anything since they are practicing their veterinarian skills and have professors there to guide them in their prognosis and treatment plans.

I think it is SO wonderful and sweet of you both to take him in and give him all of the love and care possible. I will be praying that your little cutie pie gets all better soon and grows up to be a very strong and healthy ham surrounded by either the previous owners' or your love and care. Good luck and please keep us updated if you have the chance.
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Old 06-04-2018, 01:47 PM   #8
souffle
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Default Re: Eye issues?

Sadly the little one has passed away.
Run free baby ham
Thread closed to prevent further upset.
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