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Hamster Sticky Eyes
A hamster with a sticky eye or eye's. This is a common condition with hamsters, and a problem that can have many causes.
The most common cause is foreign bodies (dust or particles etc:) usually from the bedding substrate.
The closed eye can be wiped with a small piece of cotton wool soaked in a luke warm saline solution. Such as Steripod Sodium Chloride Saline Solution, this is a ready mixed solution available in pods and very cheap at any chemist. It is a sterile solution of Sodium chloride 0.9% a solution of salt in water. This is used for the irrigation of wounds, and is ideal for the cleaning of the eyes and any wounds that may be sustained by your pet. It can also used to remove material and harmful substances from the eyes.
This is usually sufficient to open the eye, once they are opened they can be irrigated. (don't try to praise them apart) Puss, and any discharge can be removed by bathing the eye with this lukewarm solution. Use disposable cotton wool swabs when you wipe or dry the eyes, and dispose of them after a single use. You can mix your own saline solution for emergency use by mixing some ordinary table salt with boiled water allowed too cool down, mix in the same ratio:
Some hamsters particularly as they get older may wake up with one or both eyes stuck together. In an otherwise healthy hamster this is nothing to worry about. As the hamster ages they tend to sleep much longer. The eyes will eventually open without any help.
Other causes of sore or sticky eyes may be conjunctivitis: this is an inflammation of the conjunctivae. Conjunctivitis may be caused by virus or bacteria. Redness, irritation and watering of the eyes are common symptoms to all forms of conjunctivitis.
Viral Conjunctivitis:
Viral conjunctivitis, this may also be commonly known as "pink eye" usually following an upper respiratory infection such as a cold that hamsters are very susceptible to. There is no effective treatment for viral conjunctivitis. Other than keeping the eye clean and free of discharge. This can be done by bathing the eye periodically in a saline solution. For severe cases, topical treatments may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort and irritation. Most forms of conjunctivitis will over the course of 7 days or so gradually get better.
Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves within 10 14 days.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis:
Bacterial conjunctivitis, may also be known as pink eye and is highly contagious, but this usually resolves its self in around seven days after symptoms first appear. This is usually present with a watery or scant mucus discharge from the eye, and the occasional sticking shut of the eyelids. Bacterial eye infections are a common complication of a cold. They will respond well to home treatment and a speedy recovery with antibiotic eye drops, usually clearing within 4 to 5 days.
Reactive Conjunctivitis:
This can result from a build up of ammonia from urine, smoke, or fumes, and household products such as aerosols. This can cause irritation of the conjunctiva. In these cases the irritants should be avoided.
Boric Acid
Some people recommend the use of Boric acid for treating infections of the eye. Do not treat pets with this product, unless directed by your vet to do so. Boric acid is generally regarded as being safe, but nevertheless minimize any contact with it.
Boric acid: is a low-toxicity mineral with insecticide, fungicidal, and herbicidal properties, and sometimes used as a mild antiseptic / germicide. Boric acid is very toxic if taken internally, or it is absorbed into the body. Sometimes it is said to be used in a very weak dilute form on the eye. Boric acid is not significantly absorbed through intact skin. But it must never be used on open wounds. Boric acid is absorbed quickly through broken skin, and deaths have occurred from this. Accidental ingestion may cause poisoning in humans, and in animals. Inhalation of the dust particles should be avoided. Because of the potential toxicity of boric acid, it may be wise to use other alternative methods or products.
The handling of this chemical may incur notable safety precautions.
It is highly recommend that you seek the Material Safety Data sheet for this chemical from a reliable source and follow its directions before use.
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