I have twin winter white russian hamsters, and one seems to have very prominent eyes - I am aware this can be common for this breed, but the eyses are so bulging you can see the whites of the eyes on display in the corner. The eyes don't look at all infected or sore, and don't bother the hamster at all I just want reassurance they are ok! I worry that they shouldn't really have sawdust in the cage as it could so easily get stuck in the eyes. The sister of this hamsters eyes are also quite large but they dont bulge as much, she is a little slimmer though so I thought maybe the other ones stuck out more as she was tubbier and her furr was being stretched more:help::help:

I am now really worried, my hamsters eyes look terrible - there is a large amount of the white part of the eye bulging out the socket it looks quite frightening. I have taken her to the vets who said it could be a tumour pushing the eyes out, or an allergy or an infection.

He gave me some drops which have so far done nothing apart from almost make the eyes look worse (I have been administering them for 3 days now). I have removed the sawdust from the cage also in case this is causing an allergy.

She is one of a pair and the over one is fine - I am really at a loss with what to do and it is very upsetting indeed.

I know it might sound like she needs to be put to sleep, but she is fine in herself - eating and trotting around as normal. She does seem a little down, but mew putting drops in her eyes all the time can't be pleasant. Any advice gratefully received! :(:(:(:(:(:(:(

Sorry I don't have any advice I'm not really well up on Hamsters, I do feel for you though it must be a terrible worry.
What does the vet suggest doing next?

Hope she improves - I forgot to ask what the medication was by the way? Useful to know for future...seeing as it's something the chemists sell

Found this http://www.hammysworld.com/index.php?p=glaucoma

and this http://www.geocities.com/calhamassoc/FeatureSputnik.html

and this http://critterscoop.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=154&Itemid=41

As I said on your earlier thread about sawdust, bulging eyes aren't normal and aren't a sign of allergy. Sorry to hear the hamster isn't well :(

They can also be indicative of dental problems, but if the hamster is eating then it probably isn't an issue. To be honest, if the hamster seems ok in itself, is eating, drinking and active then I'd just carry on with the drops and see what happens. I hope it's an infection and she gets better.

glaucoma is common in dwarves could it be that?

I don't think so, my gut feeling is that is is a small tumour in the head which is gradually pushing the eyes out - the vet also suggested this. She seems quite down in herself now and is no longer sleeping with her sister in their bed, but sitting looking sad in various parts of the cage. I am taking her back to the vets tonight and I imagine she will be put to sleep :(:(:(

Have you thought about taking your hammy to the vets? I know that Peak are rather good with small animals and have done a great job with my hammy. And its quite cheap to take one too for peace of mind.

Hope the little one is feeling better soon.


Ahh...Didn't see that you'd already taken her to the vet. Ignore me!

The vets weren't that cheap actually - they charged me £28 and I was given human eye drops for her! I don't know how much I will be charged tonight, she is worth it though :(

Ouch thats really bad! I hope she does get better though :) You never know - these little furry critters are a lot tougher than they look :)

Sadly the vet has put her to sleep, it was agreed there was nothing he could do for her and I didn't want her to suffer. I was charged another £28 for the misery:(

so sorry to hear your sad news, you have done everything you could for her and can take comfort knowing you didn't let her suffer x

Thanks for that, I do feel guilty about it, its hard to allow your pet to be put down when they have no say in the matter, I also feel sorry for her sister who is now all alone and looks very lonely

Arrr sorry for your loss MinxyKitten. xxx

I'm sorry too MinxyKitten , it sounds like you did the kindest thing for the little Hammy though.
I know how awful it is to have to do such a thing ((HUGZ))

aww sad news minxy but it was obviously for the best. Don't worry about your other hammy- I'm sure you'll be showering lots of love and attention on her now she's on her own

aww sad news minxy but it was obviously for the best. Don't worry about your other hammy- I'm sure you'll be showering lots of love and attention on her now she's on her own

I will indeed, she does have a syrian brother who lives in a separate cage close by, whilst they can't live together I am sure they communicate in some way when I am asleep! :love::love:

I have 2 hammies next to each other and i am sure they speak and often sit almost next to eachother for hours they also follow eachother when they have their exercise time in the hammy balls