sealed up eyes in black bear hamster

Question
My hamster, less than one year old, has developed sealed up eyes due to moisture over the last couple of days. She has also been increasingly lethargic over the past week, eating less and less (still drinking some water, though). I read that watery eyes could be from food stuck in pouch. Have you encountered these symptoms before? Any advice I can try at home?

Answer
Hi Megan
I've not heard of impacted cheek pouches causing eye problems before.  Normally, when the cheek pouch is blocked you usually get a foul smell, the hamster drools saliva and the face swells up.  Hamster's eyes can get what is known as sticky eye.  You can treat this by gently washing the area in warm water - after a few seconds you should be able to gently open the eye.  If it doesn't open, wash the area again.  They can sometimes get eye infections that can cause this, in which case there are usually other symptoms - itchy, red, sore eyes.  These need treating by a vet.

The fact that your hamster is lethargic is more a concern - I don't know where you live - is the temperature hot at the moment?  This can affect the hamster.  They tend to want to sleep more and exercise less in very hot conditions.  Are there any other symptoms - is she snuffling/sneezing?  Does she look bright or is she dull?  

It is difficult to know what is happening from what you've said - the eyes could be watering because there is some illness involved.  If there is no logical explanation as to why she is suddenly lethargic and not eating much, I would suggest getting veterinary advice.

Regards