For two weeks now the hampster is not going in the wheel and just sleeps in a corner all day and night, it is breathing very slow and seems like its dying. It is still eating and drinking some water. One eye is closed shut and the back side of the hampster seems to be bloated....I called vets and they dont see hampsters... any opinions?
2006-08-22 13:41:58 · 9 answers · asked by Tiff 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
2-3 yrs.--rarely longer so he's in old age. they slow down a lot & do sleep mostly, rarely running except during an occaisonal spurt of energy. mine's eye did the same thing. wipe it with a warm wet washcloth--wipe in 1 direction straight back---just the eye area. give him lots of his fave treats. there has to be a vet thats sees hamsters. most vets will refer u to the one who does if u call & ask. the bloating doesnt sound good--could be constipation from fluffy bedding or lack of water---needs a vet. has he had any diarrhea? put some childrens plain pedialyte in his water---50% water 50% pedialyte. this will help with dehydration.
do not force him to walk. dont stress him. visit him but dont force him out or wake him when he's sleeping. make sure he's not in direct sunlight or with AC blowing on him.
2006-08-22 14:20:06 · answer #1 · answered by galaxygurl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look in the phone book for a veterinarian specifically for exotic animals. They specialize in rodents, lizards, birds, and basically anything besides cats and dogs. You dont want to take a hamster to just any vet anyways because theyre physically much different from cats and dogs and the "common" vet rarely works with exotics. Or, you can ask the "common" vets you are calling if they know of any exotic vets in the area. Most vets know eachother in the same city so they may be able to help you out.
it is very possible his life is coming to an end because they only live about 2 years, But those symptoms youre listing sound like its sick. Especially the eye being closed up and the backside being bloated. Ive had hamsters before and ive never seen a old hamster have that happen to it. so you should try to find a vet as soon as possible. Even if it is dying of old age, you can still take it to a vet to at least ease any suffering.
2006-08-22 14:22:25 · answer #2 · answered by Jaycee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hamsters live for 2-4 years, or thereabouts. Did the shop tell you the rough age of your pet when you bought it?
What are temps like where the cage is? If it is too hot or cold, the hamster will be very sluggish. When temps are too cold, they will try to hybernate. At this time of year, you probably aren't having very cold weather though. It may be overheated. Try moving it to a cooler spot, away from direct sunlight and draughts.
Do you have a college or university near you? You can try calling them, and see if they have vet or vet tech services, or if they can reffer you to a vet that will see small pets. If that doesn't help, call your vet again, and ask for a refferal.
If all else fails, contact your local SPCA or humane society to see if they can give you some advice. Also try googling small animal vets for your area.
Best of luck, and I hope your hamster does better soon.
TDK
2006-08-22 13:50:37 · answer #3 · answered by Tara Dk 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tiff, most hamsters only live about 3 years. So yours is probably getting pretty old in hamster years. You did not mention whether or not he is going to the bathroom normally. If he is still pooping he may just have an infection which he might be able to fight off if you keep him warm and well fed. If not, he may have a bowel obstruction. Either way just keep him comfortable with plenty of food and fresh water and keep him warm. Good luck
2006-08-22 13:50:55 · answer #4 · answered by lowrider 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's wierd that your vet doesn't see hampsters but they live for like 2-4 years. I had one before and I believe it was 4 when it died, but they do sleep a lot. Take it out of its cage and let it walk around but make sure you follow it they like to explore.
2006-08-22 13:46:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hamsters live 2 to 4 yrs eating and drinking is good
2006-08-22 13:46:40 · answer #6 · answered by Natalie Rose 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never had any luck with hamsters. They always died not long after I got them. I had one though to live about a couple months. I'm sure their life span is longer than that though.
2006-08-22 13:47:59 · answer #7 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think 4 years is about the lenght of there life well taken care of they will live longer
2006-08-22 13:50:23 · answer #8 · answered by Autumn 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
THE LIFE SPAN OF A HAMSTER, IS ONLY 2 YRS. SO I'M SURE IT IS DYING....[SORRY], BUT JUST KNOW YOU TOOK GOOD CARE OF IT OR IT WOULDN'T HAVE MADE IT 2 YRS.
2006-08-22 16:11:41 · answer #9 · answered by GLENDA R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋