In a previous post (http://haileyshamsters.com/hamster-updates), I discussed Chip’s eye problem. His eye had been squinted and producing white puss. After some research, I discovered that Chip has sticky eye. Sticky eye is a condition occurring mainly in senior hamsters where a hamster’s eye(s) will weep and the liquid will dry. When the puss dries, it will sometimes glue the hamster’s eye shut. Chip’s right eye has been very squinted lately, which brought my attention to a growing problem. Here is a picture of his eye before Sticky Eye:
June 21, 2021
When I went to check on Chip and feed him today, I found his eye completely glued shut. The most common treatment for this is holding a warm, damp cloth to the eye to moisten it and soften the crust. I tried this twice today, but I got no improvement. After giving him a treat for cooperation, I put Chip back in his cage and I am hoping I will see some natural improvement by tomorrow.
June 22, 2021
Today, Chip’s eye is still glued shut and it looks the same as it did yesterday. I tried the same treatment again today, and he seemed calmer with the cloth on. Again, there was no improvement. Chip was acting really calm today though. I was holding him, and he would just relax in my hand. He wasn’t running around my hands and arms like he usually does. I am wondering if this is just a mood change for today, or if his age has taken a larger toll on his energy level than I thought. I am still hoping for his eye to improve more without my help.
June 23, 2021
Today is the day! When I repeated the treatment today, I was finally able to unglue his eye. I held the warm cloth to his eye, like before, but this time I caught a glimpse of his shiny, black eye. I kept repeating the process until it was fully open. He seemed happier and more comfortable once his eye was unglued, and he was happy to enjoy his treats and return to his cage.
June 24, 2021
Unfortunately, Chip’s eye had reglued itself by the time I checked on him today. I went through the warm washcloth process with him again, and his eye opened easily. Hopefully, this isn’t a continuous daily problem.
June 25, 2021
When I checked on Chip’s eye today, it wasn’t shut! There was a bit of puss and it was still squinted, so I still did the warm cloth treatment, but that took care of the puss. However, his eye area is probably irritated, so I am going to try to give him some time to heal and leave his eye alone unless it needs the treatment again.
June 26, 2021
Chip’s eye is almost back to normal now! I checked on it today and there was no puss, no squint, and the life has returned to his eye! The only thing, is that all the crust and treatment left a scar. Chip has a small bald spot on his eyelid now, but I’m hoping the fur will grow back.
Any questions? ⬇Please leave a comment ⬇