My hamster's eye is red. What are the possible causes and treatments?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 18th, 2016

  it could be an eye infection or an injury (is there more than one hamster in the cage? they tend to fight a lot). The red discharge you are seeing is not necessarily blood, eye discharge in hamsters tend to be reddish in nature. It's always better to get it treated as hamster can develop infections very quickly and become poorly. If it doesn't get better in a couple days go to your vet to get her treated.

  

  30Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 20th, 2017

  What you are seeing when you see the red eye is called a tapetal reflection. This is the reflection of the tapetum which is a part of the retina in the back of an eye. It is completely normal and does not impact your hamster's vision at all. It is also normal for the tapetum to be different colors in different eyes so this is why her other eye doesn't look red when the light is shined in directly into it.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 16th, 2019

  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 (in case of a trauma).
  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!
  
  

  

  4Pet Parents found this answer helpful