Is there anything special I can do for a hamster that has gone blind?

[polishrose]

She's getting old as well which doesn't help I have had to change her over to a Cambridge cage as she was struggling to find her water bottle in the Barney(presuming cos it was so big?).She is eating and drinking etc but doesn't use her wheel any more and just wakes up to eat and and drink and wee and poop and then goes back to sleep. She doesn't seem to find the food unless I put it right next to her,and she isn't eating the smaller seeds,just the bigger parts. Fresh food she eats if I put it right by her nose.Anything I can do?

[ZzIszy]

Hey there's no much you can do she should be okay on her own. But you could consider putting a shallow amount of water into a bowl and let her drink from that instead but make sure not to move her food, water or bed because she will get confused

[Pebbles82]

Maybe you could put some things that smell extra nice in? Not sure what?!

[Skeever]

Hamsters rely on their eyes far less than most people think. I wouldn't put any new scents in the cage if her vision is failing....she is navigating by smell, and that would just confuse her totally? My hamsters see fine for hamsters, but they also stumble around with their eyes closed and find a food bowl or stash perfectly well every time they grab a midnight snack

[Pebbles82]

Good point. I guess it is just important not to move things around in the cage then so she knows where everything is. As long as she is snug and comfortable in her house and eating and drinking that's the main thing. Nice tempting food then.

[cypher]

I would agree it's best not to move things around or put in anything with a strange new scent that might be confusing, try not to clean any more than you really need to either so her scent trails don't get too disturbed.
You could maybe try offering her some baby food too if she's not eating as much of her usual mix as normal.
I hope she can remain happy & comfortable with you that way.

[polishrose]

Thank you for the advice.Sadly I found her dead on the floor of her cage this morning-she had some food still uneaten by her mouth(she'd eaten most-cheese and broccoli and apple and millet). Feeling a bit fragile this morning. RIP Jenna

[cypher]

I'm so sorry to hear that polishrose, it sounds as though she died peacefully which is some comfort but it's heartbreaking nonetheless, I'm sure you'll miss her very much.
Play well at the bridge little one.

[Thin Lizzy]

Sorry to hear of Jenna's passing. She died in her cage surrounded by her fave smells, nothing prepares you when they pass away but please remember the good times you both shared, they'll be a lot of tears but it will get easier in time. Thinking of you and sending some hugs xx