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Is my hamster's swollen eye and lack of eating an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My hamsters eye is swollen popping out and he’s not eating

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 23rd, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question your hamster and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. This is a medical emergency, and you absolutely have to take him into a vet immediately. This is known as proptosis, and it is is extremely painful. This will be why he's not eating. You cannot leave him in pain and leaving this untreated can lead to vision loss. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.

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