Hamster health issue

[BONZO]

Anyone know a lot about Hamster health problems?


Leo has gradually blown up to the size of a tennis ball since Christmas - (well......we all have really! - LOL)

He doesn't seem distressed about it and continues to eat and drink as normal.

I've rubbed his tummy and he hasn't yelped, so I've no idea.


Anyone have any good sites to look at before I take him to the vets?

 

[rbuzzotta]

Is Leo a she?? has the hampster been around any other hampsters???? LOL!!

 

[BONZO]

ROTFLMAO!


Yes, it's a He!


If he is pregnant, then I may sell him to medical science for a few bucks!

 

[Regina]

We had hamsters once. Poor Minnie developed a growth. I brought her to the vet, they inserted a needle in the lump, I was told that it was a tumor, and that she should be put to sleep. I said goodbye to the little critter, and bawled on the way home.

BTW, when we got Minnie two years earlier, we thought that she was just a chubby little thing. Within days of getting her, I noticed her cage was stinky after I had just cleaned it. I dumped it out into a big Hefty bag, and that's when I saw that Minnie had a litter!!!!

After I stopped screaming, I put on plastic gloves and put all 8 of the babies back in the cage. They survived.

Good luck with Leo. It's amazing how you can get attached to the little critters.

 

[nativetxn]

LOL, Regina, your story made me laugh. Poor little baby hamsters, at least they survived

Shaun, I know nothing about hamsters, I sure hope Leo is alright. Did you consider consulting a vet?

 

[BONZO]

Well,

We make take the fat chap to the vets at the weekend.

Most info I can find is about weight loss.


I think I'll add to him to diet list with the rest of us - LOL

 

[Cindyluwho]

I know a bunch of folks that can probably help. If they don't know the answer, they'll direct you to someone who does. The website is http://www.nevadatea.com/chicken.html so many of the folks there have more than just chickens and there's often a vet or two that will pop in to help. Good luck

 

[Kermit]

I've heard that cedar bedding can cause tumors. I use pine for my guinea pig. If you are using cedar, you might want to switch. I hope you can find a vet who treats hampsters. It's always tough finding vets that treat pets other than cats and dogs.

 

[FairyGF]

Awwww...poor little Leo (or Leona) I'm not a hamster medical specialist, sorry, but did find the following symptoms of poor health. Hope this helps, and all is well. Hmmmm...maybe a good prenatal vitamin supplement?

HAMSTER HEALTH


If you provide the correct care, diet, environment, exercise and attention to your hamster it will normally stay fit and healthy, and will be bright, alert and eating and drinking normally. Younger and older pets are often more susceptible to illness due to lowered resistance. Handling your pet every day gives you the opportunity to examine him for signs that may indicate illness.

Any change in normal behaviour may indicate an underlying problem. Watch out for:


-eating or drinking more or less than normal
-restless or lethargic ¨C or a crouched, huddled appearance
-coat that looks dull or is soiled or itchy
-discharge from the eyes, ears or nose
-soiling around the vent with urine or faeces
-faeces abnormal in colour or texture
-more or less urine being produced ¨C or unusual in colour
-offensive odour from the ears, mouth or vent
-loud teeth grinding
-difficulty in eating, drinking or moving
-difficulty in breathing ¨C or raspy noises from the chest

Common illnesses
Hamsters do not often become ill but, because of their size, they can deteriorate very slowly if they do become ill. Hamsters should be bright and alert. Monitor their food intake as if they change the way they are eating or drinking this may indicate an underlying problem.