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Is my hamster's swollen eye and lack of eating an emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My hamsters eye is swollen popping out and he’s not eating

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 23rd, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question your hamster and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. This is a medical emergency, and you absolutely have to take him into a vet immediately. This is known as proptosis, and it is is extremely painful. This will be why he's not eating. You cannot leave him in pain and leaving this untreated can lead to vision loss. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on December 29th, 2016
It sounds like this hamster is extremely weak and unwell and it may not be possible to successfully treat him. You have doen the right thing by making him clean and comfortable, offering some fresh water and pedialyte may help with any dehydration but a full vet check to assess the extent of his weakness and any underlying causes would be recommended
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 9th, 2018
Poor Clyde, unfortunately there is very little you will because to do for him at home as only certain products can be used with hamsters. It sounds like he is in quite a bit of pain, and possibly hassle etching more serious going on. You can try and gently wash his eyes with warm water on cotton wool, this may help to open them if they are sticky. Encourage him to eat with his favourite foods. If he does not eat or open his eyes by tomorrow morning you will have to take him to the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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