My hamster is lethargic with a small eye and red dot. Is she sick?

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal or respiratory diseases (infection/inflammations) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. A check up is needed if the signs last for more than 24hours. 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!

Hi, and thanks for your question. 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. I understand this may be stressful for your Dwarf hamster but it would be quite important to confirm this clinical suspicion. 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!

I am so sorry to hear that Cherry has an issue with his eye. Unfortunately I cannot see the issue clearly in this picture. The concern with eyes is that infections, injures, growths and inflammation can progress rapidly and may even lead to blindness. For this reason I would advise taking Cherry to see a veterinarian as soon as you can. The fact that Cherry also seems systemically unwell; not eating, drinking extra water and lethargic, also means he needs to see a vet very soon. All these signs point to Cherry being in pain and possibly fighting an issue inside his body like an infection or even types of cancer. I am so sorry that Cherry isn’t well. I hope he is able to be seen by a veterinarian soon who will start by giving him a physical exam to determine the exact cause of his issues.

This can be due to the presence of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye. Infections and trauma are common cause of it. 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.

Hello. You are looking at the normal scent glands found on all hamsters. Nothing to worry about. If Gert continues to be lethargic, or develops any sneezing, coughing, or wheezing, then I would be concerned about a respiratory infection & he should see a veterinarian. But the spots you are seeing are perfectly normal. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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!

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.