Hamster eye swollen shut with white residue. Is it a vet emergency?

Question

Hello, i came home from a month long vacation and before i left my hamster looked perfectly fine had a little bit of eye goop. i come home today and his eye is almost swollen shut. so i mix warm water & a half a teaspoon of salt to get rid of the sticky eye then i notice he has white skin covering the lid and all over his body!! what is this and is it a vet emergency?? Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered | 1lb

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. So sorry that Humphrey is having this issue. My initial thought was that your salt solution you made was too strong. I think you may be seeing salt residue that is flaking now that it is dried on his skin. Can you give him a bath and see if that is the case? If not, then he will definitely need to see the vet. If it was just the salt, then you can continue to use that to wipe/treat the eye but make sure your ratio is correct: Put one cup of water and ½ teaspoon of salt into a pot. Put the lid on. Boil for 15 minutes with the lid on (set a timer). Set the pan aside until cooled to room temperature. Carefully pour the salt and water (normal saline) from the pan into a clean jar or bottle and put the lid on to keep bacteria out. If you opt to take him to your vet for an exam I would just take him in when your vet's office is open - you don't need to rush him to an emergency clinic. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hamster eye swollen shut with white residue. Is it a vet emergency?

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