Odd hamster issue

[Miszka]

Hi All,

I hope you are well.

I wanted to ask if anyone might have an advice regarding issues with my hamster, Mishka.

She is about 1 year old and has been healthy and active until now. A few weeks ago we had a scare - I noticed her sleeping above ground (she never did that), later in the evening she was lethargic and week and she did not come out at night at all. The next morning I examined her and noticed signs of diarrhoea. I ensured she was hydrated and booked an emergency with a vet following day. In the meantime, she got better, was again active at night, eating normally etc. The vet examined her but said she looks fine, she also did not have diarrhoea at that point. He said maybe something upset her stomach and if it happens again I should try to buy her probiotics. Granted I don’t think the vet was an expert in hamsters. I was giving her veggies every day at that time (although for a long time and this did not happen before) so I stopped and only gave her a tiny amount after about a week.

It was all fine but two days ago the same happened - she was sleeping above ground, looked very tired. At her feeding time she ate, but then walked very slowly and started to do some weird stretches (but not sleepy/yawning ones - she laid flat in her sand bath and looked uncomfortable and then again in another unusual spot). I found a spot of diarrhoea but then again normal stool afterwards. She is still kind of weak and didn’t go out at night but she looks better now.

I’m not sure what is the issue - is it really diet?
She mainly had her normal feed plus different sprays, forage, plus tiny bit of veggies.
I’m of course not giving veggies and took out some of the sprays as well as a whimzee. I don’t know if this is diet related or something else and I’m getting worried.
I also did not have much luck finding appropriate probiotics for a hamster. I saw another thread on this on this forum. I tried giving her a bit of yogurt today.

I was wondering if anyone experienced something similar? Is it really diet related?

Thanks

Alex

 

[Maz]

Hello. I’m sorry Mishka is having these problems. She is not old at all year old but it does sound a bit concerning.

Any diarrhoea can be an issue but you’re doing all the right things - cutting out veggies and keeping her hydrated. I’m wondering if there is something eise going on and would suggest an appointment with an exotic vet - they know much more about hamsters.

Are you in the uk? If so there usually be an exotic vet in the area even if a bit further away. Some vet surgeries only have the one exotic vet so you might need to phone them and ask to see the exotic vet.

Diet isn’t likely to make her lethargic like that. What hamster mix is she on?

It would do no harm to give a probiotic. Hamster probiotics can be hard to find these days in the Uk. In the US benebac for small animals is the best one and more easily available. In the U.K. Dr S potent brew is supposed to be one of the best ones and one of our longer standing members @elusive recommends that.

It’s live probiotic with vitamins and a liquid form. It’s better dropped onto food than in her water as if water tastes different it can stop them drinking - maybe in a bit of baby food or porridge.
You can get it here

Potent Brew - Dr. S

Yoghurt won’t do anything really as the type of probiotics for humans don’t work with hamsters . There are specific probiotics for hamsters.

So using a probiotic would be good for general health and no issues but I would see an exotic vet as well. Female hamsters can sometimes have reproductive issues and she may have an infection somewhere.

Is it definitely diarrhoea and no blood?

 

[Socks' Mum]

Welcome to the forum. I hope Mishka gets better soon

 

[Miszka]

Hi Maz

Thanks for your advice and also the probiotic recommendation - this is exactly what I was looking for and I didn’t find this website before.

I think you’re right on the vet - I really wanted to avoid taking her to one again, especially if she is getting better quickly. I was worried this can contribute to stress and make everything worse. And perhaps this is caused by stress in a first place, although I doubt it as she doesn’t seem to exhibit any other signs of stress. In general she is quite social and likes to interact. And eat…

I am based in London and saw someone recommending CJ Hall vet around Richmond. Perhaps we can start with telephone consultation, but I’m sure they will want to see her.

Eh how stressful it is with those little hammies…

 

[Socks' Mum]

The Exotics Department of Beaumont Sainsbury's Animal Hospital is accepting referrals. They won't register your pet if he or she is already registered with another vet, but would see onward referrals I'm sure. I couldn't get Socks registered there unfortunately, but they have been good with my guinea pigs and inspire confidence. I would give them a try. They are a teaching hospital so the vets are lecturers and see exotic pets all the time.

 

[Maz]

C J Hall is very good too - if they are taking on new people!

 

[Socks' Mum]

That's interesting, I didn't know CJ Hall specialised in exotic pets. Great to have more exotic vets!

 

[Maz]

They are certainly very specialised with hamsters @Coco61 used them before and it's the only vet I've ever heard of who could get a blood sample from a hamster - it's a highly specialised thing.

 

[Socks' Mum]

They are certainly very specialised with hamsters @Coco61 used them before and it's the only vet I've ever heard of who could get a blood sample from a hamster - it's a highly specialised thing.

Impressive!