Help with my old hamster, sore eye

[Greyhoundnewbie]

My hamster is 2 and a half. He has recently started to decline and I expect that he won’t live much longer. For the last few days his eye is crusty and shut. He was able to open it yesterday but today he can’t.
He is still eating and drinking but he doesn’t come out his house for anything other than that.

I don’t know whether to take him to the vets for his eye. Online it said keep it clean and I tried to wipe it but it scared him. Photos attached

Use a cloth or cotton ball soaked in warm water and gently wipe his eye area until it’s clear. You might need to do this every day / most days. Crusty eyes are common in old age (same as for people!). He looks in good health apart from his eye.

Thank you for your advice @HundredMilesAnHour I will try that

I’d bathe it for a couple of days but if no better, take him to a vet. He might have something in his eye like a bit of shavings.

Hi

Sorry to read about your hamster. This happened to ours earlier this year and the vet prescribed oral antibiotics. We gave it through the cage via a syringe with it dripped on the end.

He carried on and died six months later.

Personally, I would not soak his eyes, they are delicate creatures 😊

Maybe a trip to the vet?

Take your hamster to the vet. Sore eyes are uncomfortable and sore, and he could get an abscess if untreated.

How have you got on @Greyhoundnewbie? Did you manage to wipe it off?

If it looks like it’s more than just sticky eye/crusting and/or there’s any unusual pinkness around his eyes, Beaphar Eye Gel (sold at Pets at Home, Amazon etc) is very effective and usually clears things up within 12 hours or so.

If neither of those work, then it’s time for the vet but from your photos it looks like a straightforward case of crusty eye that needs a wipe. If you’re anywhere near London E1 (or southern Lancashire early next week), I’ll happily do it for you.

(I used to breed, exhibit and judge hamsters so I’ve seen my fair share of crusty eyes over the years).

Aaaaaw. He’s very cute, hope he gets better

Thanks all

ahh that’s so kind of you @HundredMilesAnHour. I am a bit too far for you. I did try and wipe it but he was really angry about it.
the other eye looks pink now so I will try that gel.
he is not looking himself but he is still eating and drinking as normal! So fingers crossed. Thank you all for advice and well wishes