Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

loqueine · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 7

I just bought my hamster a month ago...before this I didn't sense anything wrong with him (the hamster), today I just found out that his right ear has a small hole...is that any symptom of illness? another thing, his left eye is half-closed compare to the other side...what does that mean? One last question, is there any vets nearby Putrajaya or Puchong as I don't seem to find one myself. Thank you.

loqueine · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 7

Another 2 questions:

1. Is it okay if I sometimes switch my hamster to other cage if I wanted to bring him travel with me, because it is a lot easier carrying smaller cage rather than a bigger cage that he's staying in now

2. During this 'haze season', is it ok for me to bring him out? Will haze affect his health condition if he stays out a lot? bcos I always goes to the park during evening and sometime I bring him along.

Dr Chong · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 666 Location: KL

loqueine wrote: I just bought my hamster a month ago...before this I didn't sense anything wrong with him (the hamster), today I just found out that his right ear has a small hole...is that any symptom of illness? another thing, his left eye is half-closed compare to the other side...what does that mean? One last question, is there any vets nearby Putrajaya or Puchong as I don't seem to find one myself. Thank you.

A hole at its right ear, emm... most probably due to fighting... I am really sure, but that shall mean that the hole is already existed when you bought your hamster (if you only keep one or there is no way for fighting to happen after the purchase). It's quite common, when hamsters are kept together and when they are getting mature, fighting common occurs within the group. There shouldn't be any problem with that, except a hole at the ear.

Half-closed eye could be a sign of localised infection (as the other eye is apparently normal?!) The eye may be half-closed due to the sticky eye discharge/dried eye discharge that bring edges of eyelids closer to each other... Sometimes the problem may caused by environmental problem also, like dusty bedding, or accidental pouring of food (with some powdery portion) when the hamster is near to the food bowl, may cause irritation to the eye, hence the eye discharge. I've seen some of these problems are self-limiting, resolve by themselves after some time. But this does not mean that the problem won't be getting more serious and complicated.

I've made several assumptions when answering your question. Should consult a vet to get a proper consultation or if thing's getting worse.

Dr Chong · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 666 Location: KL

loqueine wrote: Another 2 questions:

1. Is it okay if I sometimes switch my hamster to other cage if I wanted to bring him travel with me, because it is a lot easier carrying smaller cage rather than a bigger cage that he's staying in now

2. During this 'haze season', is it ok for me to bring him out? Will haze affect his health condition if he stays out a lot? bcos I always goes to the park during evening and sometime I bring him along.

It's okay to shift the hamster with a smaller cage and in fact there are "carrier" for transporting hamster. It's more convenient rather than taking a big cage here and there (you know, some people has created an extensive tunneling for their hamsters... hehe...)

I will prefer not to provide food and water during short distance trip, and no food but with water during long distance trip. Also if your hamster is one easily stressed up, cover the entire cage with a towel, make it dark out, but do allow fresh air to go in...

The principal is the same, if you don't think you should go out during hazy times, then don't bring the hamster out either... :wink:

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

You bring your hamster out to the park? Thats so cute. Just curious how you do it. Do you bring the entire cage out? Is it a dwarf or syrian hamster?