My hamster is like three yrs old. I noticed that his stomach is getting bigger and harder. this happened to my other hamster then he died two or three months after i noticed it, his stomach got so bloated that he could bearly walk, he ate and drank water like normal. is this normal or an illness.
2006-10-02 14:24:20 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
He has no sings that he is suffering, if he did I would take him to be put to sleep. he acts normal, just a bit slow cuz of his age.
2006-10-02 20:14:36 · update #1
it could be constipation rather than a tumor. u dont have any of that fluffy bedding they sell do u? i dont know why they continue to make unsafe products. if u do throw it all away as it can lead to constipation. is he drinking enough? is there a reduced amount of droppings? feeding a drop of vegetable or olive oil may help to relieve the constipation, but the vet has better medicine. give him some fruits/veggies daily. especially some greens or cucumber for a couple days. normally too much of this causes diarrhea but we may have the opposite here.
make sure his hamster food is at least 15% protein. does his bottom look ok? if it appears to bulge it could be tapeworms.
3 is a long life and even if he gets better prepare yourself for his passing. good luck.
2006-10-03 07:17:56 · answer #1 · answered by galaxygurl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is an illness. Probably cancer.
Hamsters only live for about 1 and a half years, so if yours is 3, he's ancient. (good on you taking such good care of him all these years)
Cancer is the number one natural cause of death for the little guys too. (after being killed by the family cat or a naughty child)
Sorry for the bad news.
You can take him to the vet and have him put to sleep if he seems like he's in pain. Usually they don't charge, or only charge like $10.
Again, sorry.
2006-10-02 21:31:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That does not sound normal, however it could be something minor. It's so hard to say with small animals such as a hamster, as it's harder to diagnose them. Did you know that there are vets out there that specialize in small animals? Ask your local vet if they can recommend someone (if they don't see small animals themselves). A vet may want to take some fluid from the area to see if it's a harmless fatty lump or something more serious.
2006-10-02 21:31:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
he probably has a tumor...hamsters hardly ever live to be that old. He's had a good life and needs to be put to sleep. It's hard to do to a pet you love, but most likely it is a deadly tumor in his abdomen. I've very sorry to hear about that.
2006-10-02 21:29:17 · answer #4 · answered by cherrydevil119 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did very well taking care of your hamster for him to have lived so long! On the average they live for 2 years. I would just enjoy the rest of his time and be thankful!
2006-10-02 21:38:27 · answer #5 · answered by CAM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably a tumor but it might not be cancerous. Still three years is a long life for a hampster. Next time you get one be sure and wash all its food, peel its fruit and give filtered water.
2006-10-02 21:40:49 · answer #6 · answered by Peanut 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry hun but your hamster
doesnt have much longer to
live . It might be a tumor or
an illness from old age - just
try to give him as much love
& comfort as possible & enjoy
your time with him . I dont think
there is much you can do considering
his age .
2006-10-02 22:42:53 · answer #7 · answered by ASHLEY MARiiE <3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds wicked, but he's probably ready for the Snake pit. Boas love Hamsters./
2006-10-02 21:51:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had one that did that 2. I found out that it was a tumor and was suffering. They r prone 2 tumors as they get older.
2006-10-02 21:32:20 · answer #9 · answered by Taz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have your home checked for asbestos and mold spores as well as lead paint! You say this is your second hamster?
2006-10-02 21:36:35 · answer #10 · answered by johnlonda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋