Warning: Undefined variable $href_target in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/phpGiggle/phpgiggle-config.inc.php on line 44 Hamster is dying. What can I do? | Ask A Vet
Species: Other Breed: Syrian Hamster Age: 2-5 years
My hamster is 2 years and 11 months now . I noticed he hasnt been drinking as much , But yesterday I noticed his stomach/abdomen area is really swollen . Also his eyes are closed and they look a little red around the edges . Normally he takes the food in his cheecks and empties it into the house . However he isnt letting the food out of his cheecks . He fell onto his back earlier and couldnt get back up again . Ive tried feeding him through a syringe but he isnt wanting to drink a lot of it . I understand he is old now , But was just wondering how I can make him more comfortable . Thank you
Warning: Undefined variable $related_questions in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75
Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75
Warning: Undefined variable $related_articles in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75
Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75
Dr. Marie replied:
Oh, the poor little guy. I'm not sure that I've seen a hamster that was almost 3 years old. On average they usually live about 18 months.
What you are describing does not sound good for Sabastian. Unfortunately there is probably not much that can be done. I wouldn't try too hard with the syringe feeding. If he will accept it then that's good, but if he doesn't want it then forcing it will not accomplish much.
I think at this point you really have two options. I have found that once hamsters get to this point of illness they usually pass away quickly. So, one option is to just wait and let things happen naturally. (I don't usually recommend that with dogs and cats, but with hamsters, again, they seem to usually pass quite quickly and peacefully.)
The second option would be to have your vet put him to sleep. This is probably the better option so that we know that he is not uncomfortable any more.
I wish I could give you some more advice on what you can do to help but really there is not much that can be done.
I'm so sorry. I hope Sebastian's end is peaceful.
Dr. Marie.
Warning: Undefined variable $displayed in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/answer_np.php on line 253
Do you have a pet website? Interested in learning more about SEO for Wix?
Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.
Search for similar questions:
Popular questions...
High bile acids Hi Dr. Marie
Over the course of the past 9 months, my dog Oreo's liver enzymes... (56589 views)
Old dog vomiting. My dog has been throwing up food that she eats except soft stuff, she is old and she... (20985 views)
Bald spots on bulldog's legs. We purchased a baby bulldog about a month ago. We already had a bulldog, Mina, and... (35926 views)
Should I spay my older dog? Greetings,
I have an 8 year old female shih tzu that never had any puppies,and... (23859 views)
Coughing after spay. My cat was spayed 6 days ago. At first she was great.Incision looked great and still... (20561 views)
Stop dog fighting. Hi
I have 3 dogs and the one dog is a bit pushy towards the other dogs, she will... (7874 views)
Vomiting undigested food. My cat primarily eats dry food. She frequently vomits undigested food.What can I do... (17985 views)
Large mammary lump. Hi Dr Marie
My dog Jenna is 13. Lately i have been aware that she has developed a... (13754 views)
Dog ate mouldy treats. My labs get milkbone treats twice a day...I just noticed they have mold on them.... (17764 views)
Sore leg in 16 year old cat. Hello
We have a cat that is about 16 years old. The last couple of days she has... (8933 views)
Veterinarian, Dr. Marie created this site to be able to provide quick, accurate veterinary advice online. She would love to help with your pet's problem!
Dr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.
Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.