Accepted Answer

Hello,

It would be best to have a vet check over the hamster before sending it to a new home. Bulging eyes can be caused by several different conditions. Eye infections are one, and they are easily treated with antibiotics. However, glaucoma is also not uncommon in dwarf hamsters. Eventually, a prolapse of the eye results, and while the hamster will live, this would be a heartbreaking problem for a new owner to deal with. Dental abnormalities, abscesses, and tumors can also put pressure on the eyes and cause them to bulge. You can read more about bulging eyes here:

http://www.hammysworld.com/index.php?p=glaucoma

If it turns out the hamster has a problem that can't be treated, you may choose to keep it yourself or to have a vet humanely euthanize it. Until you can have a vet examine the hamster, you can soothe the eyes by putting in a couple of drops of preservative-free saline solution (the kind made for contact lenses) two or three times a day. If you have more questions about this, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope this turns out to be a simple infection.

Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	5/2/2009

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant