Terrified. please help me :(

[Knotty]

I'm really worried about Pepsi, my beautiful sable Syrian, who many of you will know of and maybe even met her at the bath show in 2012.

She's getting on for two years now, and she's gradually slowing down. She's not coming out as much as she used to, and she always smells. At first i thought it was heat, but now, i can describe it as a slightly more musky smell.

its very rare that she doesn't smell, and I'm really worried about my precious girl. She is my rock, i love her so much.

she used to come out all the time for a rummage, and now she struggles to climb to the door in her cage. She will come out for a drink and then back to her nest. She doesn't come out when i put treats out.

she's still happy when she does come out, she's still very inquisitive, but I'm so worried.

she's also balding on the bum, which has been happening for 6 months now


what is best for my little girl? She's a happy little ham :') She's so special to me thanks guys xx

[SinNyx]

Is there no discharge to explain the smell? No gain in weight either?
It may just be down to age if it's balding rather than any dramatic fur loss, also if she is not scratching or anything. I know as hamsters age, their urine odour may become stronger, so maybe replace her pee areas more often to see if it makes a difference.
Just do your best to keep your little girl comfortable! I hope she is all well and continues living happily

[Knotty]

Thanks, its comforting to speak to hamster owners at this time. I'm in tears i just love her and dote on her.

she's the same weight she's always been, there's very occasioanlly abit of discharge, but this was the same when she used to be on heat.

her wee is def very strong smelling, her potty needs cleaning every day at least twice. Her bum/private area smells very strongly most days and its not really a wee smell. I'm so scared x

[SinNyx]

Originally Posted by Knotty

Thanks, its comforting to speak to hamster owners at this time. I'm in tears i just love her and dote on her.

she's the same weight she's always been, there's very occasioanlly abit of discharge, but this was the same when she used to be on heat.

her wee is def very strong smelling, her potty needs cleaning every day at least twice. Her bum/private area smells very strongly most days and its not really a wee smell. I'm so scared x

I know how it feels if a hammy has a problem...even if you feel you know an answer, it is much more comforting to have someone who understands to talk to.
Is there any discolouration of the urine? I know as hams get older they can have kidney problems, but I don't know what may explain the slight discharge.
Do you have a local vet that has knowledge on small furries? Maybe just give them a call?

[Knotty]

I haven't called the vet, last time she was at the vets they said that she was frail but still ok and happy.

ive just now had her out, and her breathing is more rapid, faster than usual. Should i ve worried? I'm so scared

[kyrilliondaemon]

I'd try not to worry Knotty, I know Pepsi is a special ham but when they get older more things can go wrong unfortunately. If you're worried about the smell the vet may be able to help, but if you don't want to see the vet (for any reason - including that it'd upset Pepsi or something) I'd just try and give her palliative care really. Keep her warm, give her playtime whenever she wants it and spoil her rotten while you can.

Breathing quickly may be a bad sign, but yeah, unfortunately palliative care might be the best option at this point. We're doing the same for Fwirl (the vets agree that none of her problems can/should be treated at the moment) and while its sad, its good to know she's enjoying every minute and hopefully will for whatever time she has left.