One bad eye

MummaBorris · 04-02-2016, 04:37 AM

Hi everyone,

I have just noticed that my gorgeous russian dwarf hamster Borris seems to have one poorly eye. She is behaving normally, eating happily, was fine with me holding her and is now running in her wheel. But one eye looks really sore (I have attached a photo - although it isn't that clear). Its almost completely closed, at first I thought she was just sleepy!

I haven't rushed to the vets because her behaviour is so normal - but what are peoples thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any comments! <3

candice clews · 04-02-2016, 05:55 AM

My cookie woke up with a really sticky eye last night, I'm keeping an eye on her as it doesn't seem like sleep it looks a big different. Hope someone with advice will come forward and help you xx

_Steph_ · 04-02-2016, 06:35 AM

I've had some old hamsters get sticky eyes, you can try to help by bathing the eye with sterile water and a cotton wool pad if it doesn't open naturally.

MummaBorris · 04-02-2016, 07:10 AM

Borris is about a year and a half. She is fast asleep now but when she gets up again I'll get her out for another look. I hope I don't need to bathe her eye as I'm sure she will freak out (and maybe I will too)!

shawniyatwain · 04-02-2016, 07:33 AM

Is she scratching it? It's most likely not sore or itchy if she's leaving it alone. If she wakes up with it I would bathe it at steph advised. Also it looks like you are using wood shavings, these are fine but was it a dusty pack, sometimes they can be and it might have gotten in her eye.

MummaBorris · 04-02-2016, 11:53 PM

This morning she is running in her wheel very happily and her eye looks normal again

I think you are probably right and she just got dust or something in it. Do you think I should change from sawdust?

candice clews · 04-03-2016, 01:46 AM

Ive always used sawdust, i wouldn't change it just yet but its up to you xx

BeautyandtheBeast · 04-03-2016, 02:40 AM

That's great news! I'm so glad Borris' eye is better. I don't use sawdust so I can't comment on whether or not it's a good substrate but if you're worried about it happening again then I would consider changing to a different one - it can't be nice for the little fluff balls

cypher · 04-03-2016, 02:56 AM

Wood shavings have been known to cause a problem with some hams, they can be a bit dusty & little pieces may irritate the eyes occasionally, about the best, safest & most comfortable substrate is Fitch, it's just recycled food grade paper, hams love it, the only downside is you do have to buy quite a big bag but it works out very economical in the long run. I usually get the 20kg bag but it is huge, 10kg is quite manageable & still a reasonable price.
Fitch