eyes

Question
when i went to feed my hamster i picked him up and his eyelids where stuck together so i went and got a wet wash cloth and wiped them and when he started to open them this stuff was on the bottom and top of his eyelid and this morning it was like that again...can you tell me if there is anything i can do for him? he is about 3 years


Answer
Hello Brandy -

Your hamster sounds like it has a condition called "Sticky Eye."

Occasionally a hamster may get a sticky eye where the eyelids are fused together and older hamsters may be prone to 'sticky eyes'. This is often because a hamster may have something it its eye such as a piece of dust or it could be because the hamster's cage is placed in a draught or could be a symptom of a cold or allergy. The closed eye should be wiped with a small piece of cotton wool soaked in luke warm water. This is usually sufficient to open the eye but if not the eyelids can gently be pulled apart.

If a hamster has recurring problems with runny or sticky eyes or the eye appears cloudy the hamster could have an eye infection. This can be treated by mixing half a cup of sterile (boiled and cooled) water with a teaspoon of boric acid powder (available from a chemist or pharmacy) and using an eye dropper to bathe the eye twice or three times a day. If the hamster does not show improvement within a couple of days veterinary advice should be sought as antibiotics may help.

If the boric acid does not show improvement you may also use the herb Eyebright. It is prepared the same as the boric acid and can be dropped directly into the eye. Eyebright is known for its healing power on the eyes and can combat various eye infections in humans and animals.

Although rare, hamsters can develop cataracts and the symptom is a cloudy eye. Although the cataract cannot be treated it is worth seeking veterinary confirmation as the symptoms of a treatable eye infection are sometimes similar.

The loss of an eye or blindness does not affect the hamster too much as their eyesight is very poor and they rely mainly on smell and hearing.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you are interested in herbal and natural remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you. I also offer a catalog of specially formulated herbal remedies which I can send to you as well.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist