As you all know, I've been having money problems. Today, I was going to clean my dwarf hamsters cage and noticed Basil's eye is infected. I tried cleaning it, but it was literally going to pop right out of the socket. I saw the eye moving and I left it alone. I have no money for the vet and I don't know what to do.

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My mom is all pissed off with me saying "You wanted pets and you can't afford them. You don't have money to take him to the vet". Piss off, mom ffs.

Oh no, that's awful!

I asked my GF (who has extensive experience with hamsters herself) if she's ever seen that and she says she hasn't, but you can try gently cleaning around the eye with some saline drops or warm water to get some of the crusties off. It looks like a really bad conjunctivitis to me, which requires antibiotic eye drops unfortunately. :( Poor little guy. <3

I know that he'll most likely die without vet treatment, but I just can't. I was going to scrape together money, but my visit could be $100+. The last time I took a hamster to the vet (it belonged to my parents), with the visit and two pain meds, it was $140.

I know, vet fees are horrible. I've had cat issues in the past and the worst one put me in the red by like $800. I don't get it. Ugh.

If you're lucky, he's got a viral infection that could clear on its own. Unfortunately, with how angry it looks, I'm afraid that's probably not the case. Just try to snuggle him lots and keep him comfortable. I'm so so sorry. :(

You can call your vet and see if they offer a payment plan? :c It doesn't solve the money issue, but it may put it within the realm of possibility.

You made me cry. I'm freaking crying.

I looked up conjunctivitis in hamsters and it's likely what he has. If I'm really lucky, it could be a cataract, but I doubt it.

Oh no, I'm so sorry. :( hugs

I had a mouse who had this happen. Her eye popped out and she was fine :) Hopefully itclears up on its own, but I dont think it could be life threatening. Keep an eye on the little tyke. If he seems to be getting sicker take him to the vet. IE: lethargic, not eating, ect.

But I can't afford the vet if he does get sicker. I'm thinking that his eye will just pop out eventually.

See if your mom can help you with vet fees and pay her back whenever you can. No animal should have to suffer or be in pain for a prolonged period of time.

OH NO THE POOR BABY

I'm not a pet owner myself, but my friend who owns a barrel-chested dog had his stomach flip and the emergency surgery cost her 6k. She was able to get a payment plan set up to make that a little less terrifying. I know not all vets do it, but I would recommend calling your usual animal caregiver and asking if they offer any sort of plan. You could also potentially look up if any low-cost emergency vet clinics are in your area -- when we were looking into getting a cat we made up a list of places that offered, at the very least, reduced care.

There's no guarantee but it could result in something like hope? <3

We only have one clinic that deals with exotics :/ I could always call tomorrow.

If, and only if, you're able to travel, are there any other clinics in any surrounding areas that would be low-cost? Otherwise, yes. I would call. The worst they'll tell you is that they don't offer any, which is awful but about where you're at now. Hopefully, however, they're able to finance care. I know a lot of veterinary clinics are very adamant about doing whatever they can to provide care, though that guarantees nothing.

I am so sorry this had to happen, both for you and poor Basil.

My mom likes to rub salt in the wound. I know I can't afford pets, but pets make life much more bearable and fill you with joy and love.

Unfortunately, I can't travel.

His eye was fine last week too.

I would make calling the vet to find out if they offer any sort of financing/payment plan for clinic visits and care top priority, then. And hopefully good news will come of it.

There are also sometimes charity groups that will cover some or even all of a vet bill for pet owners who are having trouble paying for their pet's care. When you call your vet, ask if there's anything like that in your area - if anyone knows, it's them, and they're almost always happy to help you get in touch with the people who can give you a hand.

After all, no good veterinarian wants pets or their owners to suffer. They're as invested in your animal's life as you are <3

That's a good idea! I'll call them later today.

Oh no im so sorry :(

I called the vet. The exam for a hamster is 101.75 before taxes. I'm not going to spend that kind of money on a hamster. I told her I can't afford it and she said there's nothing they can do. I asked if I can use over the counter saline solution and she said she cant recommend any products because they don't know what they're dealing with.

A Go Fund Me peharps? I can give like 10$ for hamster cutie but I can't do much :c. Peharps SPCA? could help out with the fees or even offer free check up.