Ill hamster, please help

Eva · 01-01-2014, 04:59 PM

I am growing increasingly concerned for my hamster, he is a male Syrian and 2 years old. He has been ill for over a week, he hasn't been eating/drinking or going to the toilet, i did notice yesterday morning though he had peed a little bit in a corner for the first time in a few days where he does seem to keep going. When he is awake he does a lot of squeaking , he is still being very friendly and seems to be able to move easily although he hasn't been on his wheel. I took him to the vets who felt for any lumps and bumps but there was none, however she noticed his penis was sticking out she said this could just be from straining to pee, she also said maybe he isn't eating because his mouth is too sore because his teeth could be over grown but she can't tell because his mouth is too small to get a proper look, when i have looked myself though his teeth seem a good length. She prescribed him some painkillers which he loves getting through a syringe , i also tried giving him water this way and he drank a little bit. I was just wondering if anyone had any opinions on what could be wrong as i don't think it's his teeth and by tomorrow he will have finished his course of painkillers. Thank you

souffle · 01-01-2014, 05:09 PM

He doesn't sound very well at all Eva and I'm sorry to hear this. A prolapsed penis can cause problems if it becomes swollen and sore as it makes passing urine sore and difficult. Normally you can help it retract by using a little lubricant and easing it back.
There sounds to be something else though at the route of his illness and it is hard to say what this is. The vet likely does not know but he is a really good age for a hamster and it may be that age is taking it's toll on his body now. As they age the kidneys also become weak and this is often the cause of such illness in older hamsters.
If he still is not eating or drinking I would take him back to see the vet again and maybe see if there is anyone more experienced with small animals. The teeth are normally quite long in hamsters however if he is not eating they will not be wearing against each other to keep in trim.
It may be worth trying an antibiotic and offering him some soft foods like porridge or babyfood to try and build his strength.
I hope he rallies round for you. x

Eva · 01-01-2014, 06:17 PM

Thank you very much for responding , he seems to have started drinking a bit again and I can currently hear him having a run on his wheel so hopefully that's a good sign, I'll try giving him some porridge and hopefully that'll help. Even though he's not eating he's still been nibbling at his toys.