My hamster's eye is pink, wet, and looks infected. What to do?

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. 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.

She could be suffering from an eye infection although many hamster in generally bad health condition can also appear to have an eye problem when it is in fact a generalized disease (such as cancer). i would recommend taking her to the vet ASAP in order to have her checked and treated.

It is common for hamsters to get eye infections or scratched on the surface of their eyes so this may be what is going on with your little guy. However, since he is so young it may be a congenital problem instead. I would recommend taking your hamster in to your vet to be examined. He may need some eye drops or antibiotics to help clear up whatever is going on. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Freya. The picture appears to show a small wound below her eye. Is there any way that should have hurt herself? I do recommend that she sees a veterinarian. If she has an eye infection (I cannot tell from the picture), then pawing at the eye can make a wound below it. The veterinarian will examine her and determine if she needs a medication such as an antibiotic eye ointment or drop. I hope this information helps!

Poor Simon! Unfortunately, there aren't any over the counter eye drops that would help him feel better. I think the best option would be for them to take him to a vet that sees hamsters. He could have a cut or ulcer on his eye that needs to be address. He may need some pain meds that are safe for hamsters and also some antibiotic eye drops depending on what the problem is. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better really soon!

It is hard to tell based on the picture alone what exactly is going on with Meeko’s eye. There is almost certainly inflammation and infection present. Since the drops do not seem to be addressing the problem I would recommend taking Meeko in for a recheck examination. If your hamster has an infection inside the eye (as opposed to the outside/surface of the eye) she may need an oral antibiotic to help her get over it. Other concerns for an eye like this would be a cancer of the eye itself. If this is the case, the eye could be removed and your hamster would do just fine. In any case, I would recommend having a recheck done by a veterinarian that is comfortable seeing hamsters. It’s only been a couple days so don’t worry too much. Hopefully the problem will be addressed at your recheck appointment and hamster will do great. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you have anymore questions please let us know. Best of luck.

The eye does look a bit irritated. You can clean the spot with a washcloth to help keep the eye open and clear, and to allow you to inspect it for any wounds or additional irritation. If it doesn't clear up on its own after a day or so, seems to worsen, or the crusting continues or worsens, it would be best to have it examined by a vet in person to rule out any injuries or infections in the eye that could be causing it.