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Dwarf hamster eye swollen and bulging after a fight. What to do?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | unspayed
Hi my dwarf hamster, Aurora, has a lump just above her eyes and now her eyeball is swollen as well! At first her eyebrow area was pink and look scratched and now this occurred within 3-4 days. She shares her cage with another female hamster and sometimes they fight and I think when I wasn't in my room they probably had a fight and she got scratched. she's behaving normal however, she eats well and is active too as usual and doesn't seem well but her eyes look like they're about to pop out.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 6th, 2017
For now, the best this you can do is try to keep the outside of the eye moist. If you have any antibiotic eye ointment in the house, then it would be best to put this over the eye. Otherwise, you can ask your local pharmacy for lubricating eye ointment. This will help protect the eye, while she is awaiting the vet appointment.
Before applying the ointment, it would be best if you can flush the eye with saline for 30 seconds. This can also be found in the pharmacy.
I hope that helps and Aurora gets better soon.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Claudia Fioravanti
Veterinarian
Poor Aurora .. I am pleased to hear that she is not particularly affected by this condition. It would be interesting to see whether there is a foreign body in the eye that has possibly caused some infection and inflammation or if there is a foreign body that has caused a retro-bulbar abscess... an infection that originated from the mouth into the back of the eye and it's pushing it forward.
I would suggest that you have her checked over and if I can I would suggest a veterinary practice that is excellent at treating exotics and it's not too far from you. It's called Trinity Vet Centre and it is located in Maidstone.I would call them first thing in the morning as they can be quite busy. Good luck ! Please let me know if I can be of any further help.2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on July 29th, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question.
That is likely to be due to a moderate to severe conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!13Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 17th, 2018
Although a picture of it would help to determine more specifically underlying cause, that is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. No need for any special treatment, any vet can do it (and they cannot refuse to take her).Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful