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Old 03-20-2020, 09:48 AM   #1
Ashley Ash
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 18
Exclamation URGENT! Need help with identifying my hamsters health problem.

Hi, I need help with one of my hamster,Teddy. Recently, Teddy stopped running on his wheel and I am so worry abt him but his eating diet has been usual. He used to be a runner and would wake up at 11pm,now he never runs anymore. Yes ,I do check on him during the middle of the night therefore I know he’s not running. All he does is just sleeping in his house. Another problem, he has always been quite a hunchback, but I realised his hunchback is getting so obvious now so I thought that might lead to the problem of him being so inactive. He is currently 1 year and 4 months old. I thought his age might be the reason but everything seems so sudden and I have another hamster that is abt the same age,he doesn’t deal with any problems at all. Teddy’s spine became not straight as well. Could it be a large spinal tumour or arthritis? I also found a small black lump under his chin as well this few days. Pls answer,I’m really worry abt his health. I’m thinking of getting him to the vet,it’s 20 mins away from home,I’m afraid the journey might be too long and he could get infected with some bacteria at the vet,lastly my country is under the lockdown situation. The link below has pictures of Teddy. https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...5drVDd97XyMr-B
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Old 03-20-2020, 10:03 AM   #2
Petite
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Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Scotland
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Default Re: URGENT! Need help with identifying my hamsters health problem.

Sorry to hear about Teddy's problems. It does sound as though it might be the worsening hunchback that is causing his inactivity. It is a sound idea to take him to the vet, and if he's safely snuggled up in a carrier he's not really going to be more exposed to bacteria there than anywhere else; the examining tables are wiped with disinfectant between cases. Does he seem unhappy or in pain?
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Old 03-20-2020, 10:13 AM   #3
Ashley Ash
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Default Re: URGENT! Need help with identifying my hamsters health problem.

I touched the swollen part of his back, I can still feel his bones that’s why I’m not very sure if it’s tumour. It could be arthritis due to genes problem but I saw his black lump today while he’s drinking so that could one of the reason that lead to spinal problems. ( you could see the pic when he drinks there’s a small black lump under his chin). I did handle him today but he doesn’t seem like he’s in pain. He’s doesn’t squeak nor drag his legs. The only problems are his hunchback became so obvious the last week and he stopped running on his wheels. Besides that, everything seems normal. It’s so sudden and it hurts me so much I really don’t want him to be in pain. I just let him sleep whenever he wants to as I want him to be comfortable.
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Old 03-20-2020, 12:11 PM   #4
Ria P
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Location: Wiltshire, UK
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Default Re: URGENT! Need help with identifying my hamsters health problem.

Couldn't you at least phone the vet and see if Teddy can be seen? I really think that he needs to see a vet as soon as possible.
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Old 03-20-2020, 12:19 PM   #5
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: URGENT! Need help with identifying my hamsters health problem.

If you ring the vets, some are doing very strict appointments and can give you options. they wipe everything down before you get there and after, with no one in waiting rooms. Some are also coming out to your car, take your animal and you wait there. It could be worth ringing them to see what protocols they have put in place, because it does sound like Teddy needs to be seen.
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Old 03-20-2020, 01:46 PM   #6
Pebbles82
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Default Re: URGENT! Need help with identifying my hamsters health problem.

That is very difficult if you are in lockdown. Could you ring the vet and see what they think. Does Teddy seem in pain at all? Sometimes it is difficult to tell if they’re in pain as they’re prey animals but ears down all the time can be a sign and not running on his wheel sounds like discomfort. Has he always had a hunched back? If so it may be that his lifespan could be a bit shorter. And at 1 year 4 months he is not far off 18 months - average lifespan can be 18 months to 2.5 years but many hamsters only live to 18 months. It is difficult without a vet seeing but the black lump and swelling in his back doesn’t sound good. It may be a case of keeping him comfortable or helping him on his way if he is in pain. I am just wondering if the vet would give you metacam after a phone call - deliver it maybe. It may help if he is in pain but if it’s a tumour then the Metacam won’t be enough eventually and then the kindest thing is to help him on his way.

I think I would phone the vet because he may know more about what to do regarding the lockdown regulations.
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Old 03-20-2020, 09:01 PM   #7
Ashley Ash
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Posts: 18
Default Re: URGENT! Need help with identifying my hamsters health problem.

Yes I already did. The vet will be open until 3pm only. I would take him to the vet immediately if I could but the lockdown situation is getting in the way as in there will be army troops in my area soon. Other reason, I’m afraid of the consequences. If there’s any chance it is a tumour, he might need surgery,I’m afraid this will cause him much more pain and will shorten his lifespan. He’s walking and eating normally,just stopped running on wheels. The best is to visit the vet and I’m considering but it’s a risky act. How can you tell if it’s a tumour? I can still feel his bones on the part that seems like it’s swelling. I’m very sure his back is the cause of his inactivity.
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Old 03-21-2020, 01:57 PM   #8
Maker
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Join Date: Jan 2020
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Default Re: URGENT! Need help with identifying my hamsters health problem.

It might be controversial, I have loved all my pets, but don’t take them to the vets for lumps and potential cancer type things if they are eating and appear happy, I think it is an individual decision for you to make based on the quality of life your hamster has now, yes there may be a time when you need to go to the vet to help his pain but until then do what feels right
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Old 03-21-2020, 02:46 PM   #9
Pebbles82
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Default Re: URGENT! Need help with identifying my hamsters health problem.

I agree. Unless he is in pain or showing signs of distress. Don’t break the lockdown for a vet visit today. If it is a tumour it can wait till another day - unless your hamster is really suffering and then it would be a case of a vet visit to help him on his way. Can you make an appointment for another day when it is allowed? The vet will be able to advise whether it is quite advanced. Sometimes if cancer is diagnosed in an older hamster, people do opt into have them pts to save the hamster the pain and suffering that advanced cancer causes. But if your hammy is acting normally and seems happy enough generally then waiting another day or so would be ok.
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Old 03-21-2020, 03:39 PM   #10
NibbleeTheHamster
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Join Date: May 2019
Location: U.S.A Massachusetts
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Default Re: URGENT! Need help with identifying my hamsters health problem.

I would take my hamster to the vet with no hesitation. I understand the lock down but in my house, my hamsters health is the top priority. Like Ria said, phone the vet and ask if they think its something worrisome, you can ask them to do an over the phone check up, where they guide you through the body of the hamster, checking pressure points and having you describe when you see/feel to them. This will give them a good idea of whats up with Teddy. Hope you can figure it out.
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