I visited a local pet store to buy few hamsters; however, I spotted a hamster with one eye bigger than the other. I asked the store owner why this particular hamster has one eye bigger than the other, and the pet store owner didn’t know the possible reason.
So, I did a quick research on the following topic and here’s what I know:
Hamsters may have one eye bigger than the other for the following reasons:
- If the hamster has an eye infection.
- If they hurt their eye while grooming or playing.
- If fluids buildup behind the eye (Glaucoma)
Sometimes if you hold your hamster neck tightly or squeeze them, their eye could also appear bigger. Avoid squeezing or holding behind their neck tightly.
Read on to know more about how to treat this condition in hamsters.
Symptoms & Treatment of Hamster with Bigger Eye
Eye infection in hamsters can cause by bacteria, viruses or if dust gets into the eye. Eye infection could be the possible reason behind the bigger eye in the hamster. The following symptoms may indicate eye infection in hamsters:
- Swelling
- Redness around the eyes.
- Cloudy and yellow iris
- Sticky eye leads
However, the infection can spread from one eye to another eye quickly if not treated. If you find your hamster with an eye infection for more than one week, take your hamster to the vet as soon as possible- don’t wait for symptoms to get worse!
Home Remedies To Treat Hamster’s Eye Infection
To treat the eye infection of hamsters at home, you need to make a saline solution. Follow the step below:
- Dissolve one teaspoon of saline in one cup of water.
- Stare the solution until it goes clear.
- Dip tissue or cotton buds in the solution.
- Gently wipe infected hamster eye with tissue or cotton buds
- Take another tissue to wipe the eye again until the eye is clear.
If you find your hamster eye stuck together, repeat the process 2 or 3 times every day. Use a new saline solution each day, don’t use saline solution from the previous day because it will be full of bacteria. Hopefully, you will see improvement in a few days; however, immediately seek medical advice if you don’t see any improvement.
Quarantine the infected hamster from other hamsters or pets, So that the infection does not spread to other animals. Also, be sure to wear gloves and wash your hand each time you touch your infected hamsters.
You will also want to ensure that your hamster is healthy and that may include adding probiotics to their diet such as these ones from Alive and Well.
Other Reasons On Why Hamster One Eye Bigger Than the Other
If your hamster one eye is bigger than the other since birth, then it’s fine. However, there is a possibility that your hamster may have a condition known as glaucoma, which causes fluid buildup behind the eye, making your hamster eye looking bigger than the other.
This condition increased pressure in the hamster eye, which can permanently damage eye vision. A vet can treat this condition if you identify the disease in the early stage.
Final Thought On Why Hamster One Eye Bigger Than The Other?
Hamsters should be monitored for any signs of eye problems. If you notice your pet eye appears bigger than another eye, it is time to consult with a veterinarian. Hamsters who have an eye infection and are treated at home using home remedies can cure this condition; however, if you don’t see any improvement in three days, you will need to seek veterinary care to improve their condition.
Frequently Asked Question
Why is one of my hamster’s eyes shut? Many hamsters are born with one eye that’s always closed because of an autosomal dominant genetic trait. Sometimes eye infection can also cause hamster eyes to shut.
Why is my hamster’s eye bleeding? Hamsters’ eye can bleed if their eye is infectedwith virus, bacteria, or hold too tightly behind their neck.
Why is my hamster’s eye white? White spots occur when the inside of the eye becomes irritated, infected, or inflamed. It can also be caused by foreign particles, such as dust or bacteria in the air.
Can my hamster’s eyes pop out? The buildup of pus behind the eye increases pressure from behind the eye, causing the eye to pop out.