Prolapsed eye in hamsters

Question
I have a young syrian hamster that we only got on sunday and on monday his eye started to look a bit sore and red, by yesterday it was bleeding and looking really bad so we took him to the vets. The doctor said that he had a prolapsed eye, and it would either die or need to be removed. It was looking better by it has started to bleed a lot, i just wondered wether you knew of the problem as i can't seem to find out much on the internet. I realise it may not be that serious due to the fact that hamsters have very little vision anyway, but i'm worried that he may have to have an operation. what do you think?

Answer
Hi Lindsey,

I don't know a whole lot about this problem, but I do know that if you don't get his eye operated on, he could very easily develop an infection.  You shouldn't worry about the operation itself - many hamsters and small animals in general are successfully operated on.  It's best to follow your vet's advice, above all else.  And you're right, hamsters have poor eyesight anyway, so it won't be a huge loss to lose vision in one eye.  Good luck!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kelly