i've had my hamster Moo Moo for an few days now. The day after I got him the dog caught him and he was covered in blood. Now he hates being handled and hides in an corner screwed up in a ball.

Our vet says: Take your hamster to your vet today- he may have internal injuries as well as the problems you can see.

Answers to Your Pet Healthcare Questions

Showing similar questions and answers in this category

Sick hamster

Species: hamster | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 10-May-09 08:33PM | viewed 17543 times

Donna asks about charlie (hamster) :

My daughter's hamster has not slept in his bed all day. Now he is lying on his back still breathing, but his leg is shaking. He looks very bloated. There are no vets open near me today and my daughter is very worried. Is there anything I can do to help him until I can get him to the vets in the morning?

Our vet says: Other than keeping your hamster warm and quiet there is really nothing you can do yourself. This does sound quite serious and I would advise that you ring your vet's emergency number.

Sick hamster

Species: hamster | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 17-Apr-07 12:45AM | viewed 18608 times

Gail asks:

Martin is 20 mos. old. Overnight he seems to begin a rapid breathing, not eating much, back legs seem weak, not drinking much only when made. Temp in room got very cool that weekend and I was wondering if that affected him. We tried antibiotic for 5 days, not much help but read that it's important to know the right antibiotic if it is a infection. I need to ask the vet again and what should I ask him to do to make sure we are treating Martin correctly. Would a tumor cause this overnight?

Our vet says: At 20 months old there are many conditions which may cause a hamster to become ill including infections, metabolic diseases and tumours. Do speak to your vet again about the problem if you do not think your hamster is making progress; however do also be aware that not many antibiotics are licensed for use in hamsters so treatment options can be more limited than in other pets.

Dragging back legs

Species: hamster | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 24-Mar-07 12:34PM | viewed 18183 times

Christine asks:

My hamster is 15 months old and was hardly able to walk for last day or two, dragging back legs, didn't appear injured. Was breathing rapidly, didn't eat, slept anywhere slumped on ground and looked very unwell. Seems better now, but this is second time it's happened. Vet couldn't diagnose first time so didn't take hamster again. Can you suggest what to do to prevent/care for? Thank you.

Our vet says: I am sorry to hear that your hamster has been unwell like this. It can be very difficult to make an accurate diagnosis in this type of situation. There are many things which can cause this type of problem, including infections, metabolic disease, trauma, and tumours. It is often extremely difficult (and can be costly) to find out exactly what is causing problems such as these.

Sometimes hamsters can get a condition known as "cage paralysis" which may cause them to have signs of paresis such as you describe. "Cage paralysis" is often secondary to trauma but can also occur due to lack of exercise or nutritional problems.

Lack of exercise should be easy to correct by supplying wheels and tunnels etc for your hamster to climb through and play on. (Take care with wheels though - I have seen some very nasty injuries from wheels when they have not been correctly fitted and hamster's legs have become caught up in them).

Nutritional deficiencies are uncommon if hamsters eat a good balanced diet, but it is worth discussing this with your vet because vitamin supplements are thought to sometimes help.

There can also be genetic factors involved in this problem and unfortunately males do appear to be more susceptible than females.

In summary, it would be a good idea to provide more toys and exploratory activities for your hamster; then take a look at the diet and get a good reliable brand of food for him.

I would also strongly urge you to take your hamster back to your vet. There are several possible causes for the signs you describe and it is obviously impossible for me to make a diagnosis or suggest specific treatment over the internet. Also some conditions can be quite serious and or painful (such as tumours). Your vet will be able to help if he or she thinks further investigation of this problem is required.

I hope your hamster gets better.

lower lip swollen

Species: hamster | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 10-Mar-07 08:12AM | viewed 18379 times

Nicola asks:

Vet clipped his teeth 2 days ago. His lower lip is still very swollen and his lower gums are purple. His lower jaw seems to be protruding. Is he in pain and is there anything we can do? He is feeding/drinking - we have apple twigs and just given him warmed milk/bread which he enjoyed.

Our vet says: It sounds as if he might be in discomfort so it would be worth taking him back to your vet who will be able to give any pain relief which may be necessary. (Of course he may be OK without- but your vet should make this assessment) It sounds as if you are taking good care of him and there is little else that you would be able to do regarding home care really.

nippy

Species: hamster | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 06-Mar-07 07:30PM | viewed 14261 times

Debbie asks:

He was drinking and eating yesterday but he has not been sleeping in the bedding for the last two nights and right now he is not moving could you tell me if he could be hibernating.

Our vet says: Hamsters hibernate if the temperature drops (below around 5°c) this is quite a low temperature and unlikely in most occupied houses. If the ambient temperature in your home is low then your hamster may be hibernating.


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