Worried. . .and Sad.

[HarleytheHamster2017]

Earlier this night i was checking on my hamster Harley. She felt weak, like she was dying! I was even able to pet her a little bit and she barely moved, and didn't try to bite me. When i petted her she felt very weak and only moved her nose slowly. I told my mom about it and she said that she'd check on how Harley is doing later. I am ready to cry! Harley is my BEST HAM-HAM HAMSTER FRIEND! I hope that she's okay. Poor sweet girl! I thought that she was crossing the "Rainbow Bridge!" It's hard to explain how she was acting then. She didn't really respond to me or even move normally. She was sitting in one spot in her cage, frozen-moving, her nose barely moving, and she hardly moved, just wobbled sideways and wobbled around without showing signs of strength when she walked & moved, which reminds me of my hamsters in the past who passed on. I'm really worried about her and very sad too! I've also noticed that she hasn't been drinking a lot of water too, just small amounts.

[souffle]

It does sound as if she is unwell. Can you get someone to help you take her to the vets? Perhaps offering to do chores or using your savings to help pay for this may persuade your parents to take her in with you if they are not so keen?
Make sure she has food nearbye and some soft easy to eat foods may tempt her. Maybe some oats or weetabix mixed till soft or a little babyfood. If she is wobbly she may not be able to reach water bottle so give a shallow bowl. Make sure she has plenty soft tissue bedding and is kept quiet so she can sleep. If she is an older hamster over 18 months or so it may be that her time in nearing to cross over the bridge.
I hope you can manage to have her seen at the vets.

[AmityvilleHams]

It actually sounds suspiciously similar to what I've experienced with dehydration in hamsters and what I've heard as well.I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that she's on the way to passing just yet,but it really is important to take action now while you can.

The most important thing to do is getting fluid in her.It might mean using a medicine dropper or some other tool(pharmacists tend to have them,and often give them to you for free or for a fairly low cost).In a pinch a cheap water bottle can be squeezed and water or pedialyte(the dextrose is normally not good,but in an emergency situation can be excused)can be dripped onto the mouth of a hamster.Keep in mind that this will probably make the bottle impossible to use,hence using a cheap one and not anything too expensive or that you mind replacing!

It can be difficult to figure out just what is making a hamster unwell,especially when symptoms can be so similar for different things.For example neurological signs such as spinning are seen with both ear infections and dehydration(as is other behavior you've described),which means the true cause sometimes can only be determined by a vet

[cypher]

Sorry to hear this, she does sound unwell & it would be best to get her to the vet if you can, it's often hard to know what's wrong with our hams but a vet may be able to help her recover.
How old is she now? If she is old it may just be her time.
As souffle says make sure she has something she can eat & some water close by & keep her quiet & comfortable until you can get some help.

[Thin Lizzy]

Sorry to hear Harley's unwell, try and get her to a vet, who'll be able to examine her. Maybe put a piece of apple or cucumber in her cage to ensure she keeps hydrated.

[HarleytheHamster2017]

Good News! Harley is fine! My mom thought that i was over-feeding Harley. I spoiled her with lettuce (the kind she loves) & treats. She seems to be healthy & not appearing to be over-fed. Thanks for all of your replies & support. Harley seems to be one happy, healthy, & spoiled hamster!

[AmityvilleHams]

Keep lettuce to a minimum in the future(once or twice a week,and only lower water content varieties)as lettuce is a very watery plant overall and too much water will end up causing digestive problems.Balance is key with everything in life and in pet care

[Crystalroborovski]

That's wonderful! It's always such a relief when our furry babies get better.

[dreamtree1234]

I just read your thread, and I am so relieved that Harley is doing much better now. That is such wonderful news.

[Thin Lizzy]

Good to hear Harley's doing much better.