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sick hamster
I posted this in the "pets" section, but figured I'd post it here, too incase anyone could help.
DH and I have had our cute, loveable Honey Bear Hamster, Winnie, for almost 2 years. On Thursday of last week we started noticing that she wasn't exactly herself. We had to wake her up at night (she's usually running on that wheel like there's no tomorrow) and she was not as active. We figured that she was just adjusting to the change in weather. On Monday night, we noticed that she'd started to shake when she took breaths in and out and was off balance. We also noticed that some fur was missing from her right hind leg. Scared for our little hamster, we took her to the emergency vet on Tuesday night. The doctors put her in an "oxygen box" and it looked like she felt much better. They were thinking some sort of respiratory issue or might have allergies (We've used the same brand of bedding, food, etc. since we got her). The vet gave us a prescription for an antibiotic. Winnie just had her 3rd dose of .1 mL of the medicine and, while she does seem a teeny bit better, we are still worried about her. I get out of work early tomorrow and am thinking that I'll take her to the regular vet.
Has anyone ever had an issue like this with their pet hamster? What happened? How did you get your hamster to feel better? I know that hamsters usually only live for 2-3 years (at least that's what the PetSmart brochures say...), but this "sickness" happened practically overnight...
All help is greatly appreciated - thank you!
Re: sick hamster
I am not much help on what could be/is going on with her, but I wanted to tell you that I think you are such a great pet owner. Many people, in regards to small animals, would not go to the lengths you are.
I have had pet rats (they really are GREAT pets), hamsters, and gerbils over many years of my life and sometimes I have been prompted to pay ridiculous amounts of money for their care (once a $700 laser surgery on a rat of mine that died the next day). I loved all of them just like a dog or cat.
Anyhoo, as far as what is happening I would assume they could at least rule out things today. One of the (I guess "good") things about the rats I had is that every one of them had an easily diagnosed problem (visible tumor). But thinking back to my hamsters/gerbils, most died suddenly and naturally, before I was aware there was an issue.
I hope that because you are taking proactive steps, Winnie can keep on being healthy for some time.
I also dont know how to comment on treatment, but I wanted to say that I really admire you for taking the hamster to vet. When my guinnea pig I had as a teen had a health problem, I also took her to a vet and people I know made fun of me for spending hundreds of dollars on an animal that costs $10. I hope your hamster gets better soon!
Thanks guys. As of now, Winnie has had 4 doses of medicine (next one scheduled for 7pm). Knock on wood, but I think she looked much better this morning. Her eyes were actually opened and she didn't squeek when we picked her up (something she's been doing while ill, but otherwise hasn't done since we got her). She was moving around her cage, didn't look so off-balance, and was fussing when I was trying to give her her medicine (much better than a hamster that just gives up and takes the meds!).
I really appreciate your kind words. I'm sure people think I'm nuts, too for taking a hamster to the vet (my brother's like...can't you just get a new one for less than the cost of the vet?!? he'll understand when he has pets...)
Thank you for sharing your stories. I'll keep updating on Winnie's condition,