Bilateral Harderian Gland Abscesses in a Syrian Dwarf Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

A 10-month-old Syrian dwarf hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was evaluated for a presentation of acute unilateral exophthalmos of the right eye. Examination of the right eye revealed an exophthalmic eye, a dry cornea that appeared non-painful to touch, and eyelids dried and adhered to the ocular surface that did not close over the eye. Internal structures of the eye could not be visualized due to the diffuse desiccation of the cornea. The hamster was treated on initial presentation with temporary tarsorrhaphy, subcutaneous fluids, systemic antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs. With environmental modification, the hamster did well at home for 8 days; however, the hamster died acutely after the contralateral eye ruptured and before further medical treatment. Necropsy revealed bilateral Harderian gland abscesses as the cause of exophthalmos, endophthalmitis, suppurative leptomeningitis, and encephalitis. Abscessation of the Harderian gland should be considered as a differential for hamsters presented with exophthalmos. The rapid progression of disease in this case suggests that aggressive, immediate therapy should be attempted in an effort to successfully treat this condition.