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My hamster has a swollen, red eye and isn't eating. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 0 lbs

My pet hamster looks like she has an eye infection and it’s spreading to the other eye. Using a dilute salt water solution seemed to help a bit but hasn’t gone away it’s been 4 days that she has a swollen eye swelling went down a little bit still shut eye and red. She’s not eating much of her regular food and not as active. What else can I do?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 1st, 2018

It sounds like you have done all the home treatment you can do. Since it has not worked your only option at this point is to get her to a vet for an exam. She probably needs an antibiotic ointment for the eye to get this to clear up. Best wishes!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 1st, 2017

    She might be developing an hypersensitivity to the woodshavings, or maybe she needs a different antibiotic drops. try to switch her to a different bedding, if it doesn't help- take her to the vet to get treated.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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