Tabitha's wet neck?

[newtohamsters]

When I first got Tabs she had obviously been bar chewing since she had hardly any fur on her nose, so I got her a Gabber rex type - the one that is like a Zoozone?

any how she chewed the water bottle instead - she was wet, the cage was wet and she had no water.

so I got her a bigger wire cage, she has been in it two weeks and at first I thought she was chewing the bottle still since her chin and neck were wet, in the other cage her whole front and tummy would be soaked and in the wire cage it wasn't as bad until I was ill last week and realised she doesn't chew the water bottle - she isn't up during the day but still has a wetor damp looking neck.

she is a bar chewer so could she be drooling? when she first wakes up she is dry bit messy but dry and she is eating like a little dustbin, her pouches work etc.

I am taking her to the vets, since I now think it is a problem - I can't see any marks or spots etc.

the thing is she isn't that tame and my vet is allergic to small animals so I am not sure how the vets visit will go....... so any suggestions pointers ideas i give to the vet, I have a fairly good history of giving advice re Rats so I am not afraid to speak my mind!!

thanks for any help

xx

[Mollz]

Hi.
It does sound like she is dribbling (possibly because of bent/damaged teeth from bar chewing?).
Taking her to the vets is a good idea and should prevent you from worrying too much if there isn't anything seriously wrong. It may be worth looking around a bit and tring to find a small animal or rodent specialist - as a vert allergic to small animals may not be much use for a hamster.
I'm sure others will have had similar experiences and can give you better advice.
Hope all goes well.

[souffle]

It does sound like possible tooth problem. The may be broken or misaligned due to bar chewing and a vet could clip them even. It could be an impacted pouch. Can she fully empty her pouches or does it always seam like something is in there? It can get stuck and go all yucky and needs removed and flushed.
We have had hamsters who drool from pleasure I believe. Our Runty was one of those. When out he would lie on your chest and be stroked and when you looked he was all wet! Cats drool with pleasure so maybe hams do too. :lol:
Best have her checked and work on the taming so she is easy to handle for you and the vet. There is a taming tips article in the articles section.

[babyboos]

Poor vet they do have to face some mean hamsters and other small animals from time to time but knocking them out isn't very good for their health but sometimes the only way a good diagnosis can be made. A thorough check of the teeth and pouches sounds like it is required so hopefully it wont be too stressful a trip for all of you.

[newtohamsters]

:-({|= Well I am scum.

I took Tabitha to the vets (and Willow - just because I think she has cut her mouth) any how, Tabs was great with the vet (although the vet was n't too impressed! - it was quite funny he loves my rats is absolutely great with them) he scruffed her and I thought her eyes would fall out!!! :shock:


she has overgrown teeth and ulcers. it was pretty bad and she needs to have them cut. She is going on monday night, staying over and i pick her up tuesday night.

:( :(

I have had the rats put under and it depends entirely on the rat how they cope, but mostly they seem fine. I didn't think Hamsters managed it very well? and will they grow again? and how come she can chew and eat ok?

I really hope someone can answer my questions I am beside myself here. The vet said she was in a great deal of pain and that is probably why she makes so much noise - when chewing the carpet.

oh and Willow the little moobag bit the vet........she is fine at least.

I have got to stop them chewing tho.

thanks for any suggestions

xx

[souffle]

Poor little Tabitha. Some hamsters are born with teeth that do not meet properly so they do not wear against each other and wear the teeth. They then overgrow and jab into the roof of the mouth and gums causing the ulcers, Hamsters also can grind food using the smaller back teeth and against the palate on the roof of the mouth so that is why she can still eat.
The vet will use a light gas to still her then cut the teeth so they meet in a better position. They will regrow and she is likely to need regular trimming during her lifetime. but should do fine once she is sorted. I am surprised he is waiting till Monday. Does he need her to heal a bit first? Good luck anyway with the little dental attention.

[newtohamsters]

thanks Souffle,

I just feel so bad. I wonder if that is why she was put on freecycle - picked up by a rescue and then I took her on. bless her she is lovely.

the vet (my favourite vet ever) is leaving and the new person doesn't start till monday. when she comes home on Tuesday she will have clean cage with lots of nice food. God I feel so bad.

thanks again.

[souffle]

There is no need to feel bad as you noticed there was something amiss and got her attention as soon as you could. It is just one of those things. Pity they don't do braces for hamsters eh :lol: I think that spud's mum has some experience with this in one of her hammies so hopefully she will come on and advise you further.

[Matty Day]

just glad they dont do braces for hams imagine trying 2 clean that hams teeth twice a day night mare paticluarly if he or she were a robo :twisted:

[Holly]

Sending good wishes for you and Tabitha for Monday, will be thinking of you both.

[newtohamsters]

big sigh of relief she went and she is fine! eating chewing (!) and going round on her wheel.

am very happy to have her home. the vet siad she was very good and tame. *is proud*

thanks everyone

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Holly]

That's brilliant news! Well done to Tabitha, the vet and you :wink:

[souffle]

Fantastic news that her dental treatment went well. I am sure she will feel much better now. Did the vet think that would be it or is she likely to need other trims? Hopefully it will be a case of now they are straight they will wear naturally. Glad to hear the vet said she was nice and tame. Well done for being a great mum!

[newtohamsters]

the vet seemed to think it would be needed again in about three months. she said Tabitha would always chew? and it would always be a problem. Part of me thinks she would say that, but they are good vets there.

I really don't know what to do about Tabs.

I don't really like the Gabber Rex, I didn't feel she was comfortable in it and was easily frightened by noises, she likes climbing and when in the Gabber Rex she walked round doing what I called Jazz hands (!) all round the clear bit of the cage.

she comes out of her bed in her current cage and gets treats. there is a connection there - in the rex I felt she was excluded from everything?

but then the alternative is the teeth problem again. so it will be the rex.

I might try her in the Rene, with more toys and see if that makes a difference. Unlikely but think it would be such a nice cage size wise and I 'll "decorate" a lot more then her current cage.

ramble over!

NTH

[souffle]

I think she will settle in the rex given time. We find they always do that thing at first. We call it 'window cleaning'. It never lasts for more that a few days. She will set up her own routine soon and get accustomed to it and it will be better for her teeth I think. See how it goes for a bit.

[babyboos]

Sadly a hamster who has had vet intervention with their teeth does usually have to go back on a regular basis
good news is many will show you how to trim them yourself at home using the correct equipment which they can supply you with of course...