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Fuzzy the Hamster - sticky eye,possible infection

Sent to Pet Experts September 29, 2006 11:02 p.m.

My new Hamster of just over a week has what I think to be sticky eye. I am pretty sure the cause is that she first started to make her home in her wheel which is inclosed inside of her cage. I have a SuperPet Critters Trail cage with a plastic wheel that is part of the cage. Anyway, she would run while the wood chips and food were in there. I kept cleaning it out for the first 3 days and she finally made her home in the little castle I have in the cage. I think that the debris flying around is what caused her sticky eye. She hates it, but for the last 2 days I have been wetting a cotton ball with warm water and puttling natural tears in her eyes. They open for awhile but, then are closed by the next day. I am worried that this is an eye infection and was wondering what kind of antibiotic should be used for an eye infection. Can the antibiotic that is used for wet tail in the stores help, if she has an eye infection?

Thanks. :)

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Age: <1; Female; Breed: Siberian Hamster - Long Hair

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Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

Answer
September 29, 2006 11:11 p.m. (8 minutes and 59 seconds later)

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It is very important to use only medication that is made specifically for the eyes. There could be a couple of different problems that may be going on. It could be an infection, irritation or even a scratch and what you are doing is providing momentary relief but she will need to be seen in order to get the correct medication to heal the eye. It is very critical to get this dealt with quickly, the longer you wait the more damage that can happen to the eye and possibly loss of eyesight. It would also be better to change the substrate that you are using to one of the paper products Carefresh or Yesterdays News. These are much safer for her than the wood chips.

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Animal Eyes -- Veterinary Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 393 Pet Accepts
Over 15 year as a vet tech, 10 years working with exotics, pocket pets, birds and reptiles

Reply to Animal Eyes
Sent September 29, 2006 11:20 p.m. (9 minutes and 13 seconds later)

I am using the Aspen and I think it may be a scratch or scratches. I don't think it is alergies at all. I do thank your for the suggestion on the paper products for Carefresh or Yesterday's News. I won't be using wood chips anymore. I am new to having a Hamster and didn't know about these products. Thank You.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
September 29, 2006 11:32 p.m. (12 minutes and 24 seconds later)

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Animal Eyes -- Veterinary Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 393 Pet Accepts
Over 15 year as a vet tech, 10 years working with exotics, pocket pets, birds and reptiles

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