Question:
What hamster sickness is this?
Claire
16 years ago
Help! I'm pretty sure that my hamster is sick, but I can't tell what sickness it is. He hasn't been eating for the past 2-3 days and he drinks alot of water. He spends most off his time curled up in his little house. He looks scruffier and it looks like he has lost some weight, too. And his eyes are closed most of the time. Please help by telling me what sickness this might be and how to treat it. Thank you!

P.S. Can you take hamsters to the vet?
Nine answers:
anonymous
16 years ago
From what you described it sounds like diabetes or Tyzzer's Disease...if it is a dwarf its probably diabetes cuz they're prone to it.



TYZZER'S DISEASE: The bacteria Bacillus piliformis, which is carried by wild mice, causes this disease. It normally affects newly weaned pups and hamsters under stress. It is extremely contagious and usually fatal. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, extreme diarrhea, dehydration and weight loss. Treatment is seldom successful; but would consist of keeping the hamster warm, sterilization of the cage, plenty of fluids and administration of oxtetracycline under the direction of a veterinarian



DIABETES: Although it can affect all species, diabetes is normally seen in the Campbells Dwarfs and is assumed to be an inherited disease. It generally strikes between 7 and 9 months of age and can be triggered by diet, stress or a dirty cage. Symptoms include excessive drinking and urinating and possibly shaking, trembling and a low body temperature. Severe cases can also result in a coma. Contact a veterinarian at the earliest signs. Although there is no cure for diabetes, steps can be taken to enhance the quality of life for the ailing hamster. For rehydration purposes, with veterinarian directions, a solution of unflavored pedialyte can be given in the water bottle. If a sugar free diet is recommended, the following can be fed: a good quality seed mix, alfalfa, carrots, potatoes and boiled egg. Don't feed any of the commercially prepared hamster treats since many of them contain molasses and corn syrup.



And yes you can take a hamster to a vet. Just call first.
anonymous
16 years ago
He either has a cold, or digestive track upset. He must be kept warm with lots of tissues to curl up in. No drafts of any kind. Do not feed him lettuce, and reduce vegetables, plenty of seeds. A small dab of peanut butter to lick, if he is not eating seeds or sunflowers. Clean water, and let him rest quietly. If he has not eaten in 2 or 3 days, he is very sick. Check for diarrhea, as this happens with to many vegetables. Good luck. A vet may help, but it may not help if he is too sick.
Bob M
16 years ago
If he's drinking more water than usual, he might have diabetes. You should really go see a vet if you don't want him to die.



But if he's also shaking a lot, and he has fits of shuddering, it's possible that his time is near. Even so, just check with a vet to be sure.
anonymous
16 years ago
OK WELL THIS IS PRETTY SERIOUS THIS IS HOW MY HAMSTER DIED

IS THE STOMACH SWOLLEN IF SO THEN YOUR HAMSTER HAS A STOMACH TUMOR YOU CAN TAKE IT TO THE VET BUT I THINK THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE

I TOOK MY HAMSTER THERE AND THEY PUT HER TO SLEEP BECAUSE SHE WAS SMALL AND SHE ALREADY HAD THIS TUMOR

HAMSTERS DONT EXACTLY LIVE FOR THAT LONG EITHER THEIR LIFE SPAN IS ABOUT A YEAR OR SO

SO I SAY JUST TAKE UR HAMSTER TO THE VET ASAP AND SEE WHAT IS WRONG AND BRACE YOURSELF HAMSTERS ARENT THE LONGEST LIVING ANIMALS AND STOMACH TUMORS ARE NOT RARE FOR THEM
anonymous
16 years ago
yes u can take hamsters to the vet and he might be hibernating my hamster did do that but she stoped in febuary best choice is to take him to the vet
anonymous
16 years ago
omg this happened to my hamster last november

check his teeth & see of they are really long. if they are go to the vet and get them trimmed quickly that is proberbly the reason he/she isnt eating and drinking water. get him to the vet as soon as possible. i really hope this helps :)



PS cook oat meal (not flavoured ) until its mushy, let cool then let him eat it
anonymous
16 years ago
im not sure what sickness this is but yes you can take themm to the vet and i would do it asap!
anonymous
16 years ago
TAKE HIM TO THE VET NOW!!!!!! OR AS SOON AS POSSABLE!!!!!

^..^

0
stickchick1988
16 years ago
yes, you can and yes you should --IMMEDIATELY.



look for a small mammal practice, or exotics doctor.


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