What causes hamsters eyes to bulge?
Also known as exophthalmos or proptosis, the bulging of one or both eyeballs from the socket is common in hamsters. Typically it occurs due to an infection of the eye or a trauma, though it may also happen if the hamster is restrained too tightly from the back of the neck.
How can you tell if a hamster’s eye is bulging?
A hamster with exophthalmos will exhibit excruciating pain in either one or both eyes. Other common signs include: Protrusion or bulging of the eyeball. Slight enlargement of the eyeball. Watery discharge from the eye, which may also appear red or irritated.
What does it mean when a hamster has an eye infection?
An eye infection is also commonly known as conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the outer layer of the eye. This can be a painful condition and make your hamster feel quite sorry for himself. Unfortunately, eye infections are quite common in hamsters and it can very useful as an owner to know how to spot if your beloved little pet has one.
Why does my hamster have a swollen cheek?
Because your hamster’s cheek pouches are so large, your hamster can stuff a lot of food into them and make them look swollen. If the swelling goes down after your hamster empties the pouch, then there is no abscess. If the swelling doesn’t go down, then your hamster likely has a cheek abscess. An abscess would make your hamster feel sick.
How can you tell if a hamster has cataract?
You can tell your hamster’s got a possible cataract by the white spot developing on his eye. It could be both eyes, it could be just one, and it could be a larger spot, or just cloudy, blurred eyes. In most cases, cataracts forms as the hamster ages.
Why are hamsters eyes closed?
One reason your hamster’s eye may be watery or closed is that something is stuck in the eye . If this is the case, there won’t be any crust present holding the eye closed, so you can gently open your hamster’s eye and look. If there is dust or sand in the eye, you can use a Q-tip or similar, dipped in lukewarm water to gently remove the debris.
Do hamsters have eyelids?
Hamsters have just one set of eyelids – yes, hamsters have eyelids – which serve to clean their eyes when they blink, just like us humans. You might not have noticed their eyelids when looking at them, but hamsters have them.
What causes swelling in the lower eyelid?
Swollen eyelid causes. Inflammation (due to allergy, infection, or injury), infection and trauma can all cause swelling of the eyelids.
