A Comprehensive Guide to Hamster Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
1. Causal Classification
Pathological Pink Eye
Eye Infections: Bacterial conjunctivitis accounts for 62% of clinical cases, marked by yellow-green discharge and eyelid adhesion.
Metabolic Disorders: Diabetic retinopathy causes iris blood vessels to dilate, appearing blood-red.
Genetic Conditions: Albinism gene carriers may show pigment-deficient pink eyes.
Physiological Pink Eye
78.3% of Roborovski hamsters have natural reddish-amber irises.
Lab-bred red-eyed Campbell’s dwarfs are a result of artificial selection.
2. Symptom Staging
Mild (within 24 hours)
• Slight redness around the eyes
• Increased clear tear secretion
• Reduced light sensitivity
Moderate (3–7 days)
• Pupils dilate into a "cat-eye" shape
• Eyelids stick together with white, hardened discharge
• Activity levels drop by over 40%
Severe (over 7 days)
• White flocculent deposits on the cornea
• Complete loss of pupil light reflex
• Neurological symptoms like twitching
3. Emergency Care
Environmental Adjustments
• Immediately switch to dust-free paper bedding.
• Maintain ambient temperature at 28±2°C.
Local Care
• Clean discharge with saline-soaked cotton swabs (3 times daily).
• Administer Ofloxacin eye drops every 8 hours.
Diet Management
• Hold high-sugar foods (e.g., fruits).
• Add pumpkin seeds for β-carotene (0.5mg daily).
4. When to Seek Veterinary Care
Seek immediate treatment if:
• Pupils constrict to pinpoints
• Opaque white clouding on the eye surface
• Respiratory rate exceeds 65 breaths/minute
Note: The first 72 hours are the golden treatment window—delay may lead to retinal detachment.