my hamster seems unwell, please help:(

[shutslame]

for about 24 hours now my poor chinese hamster, Beans, seems like he is either struggling to breathe or has something stuck in his throat. he keeps standing still and like heaving constantly, making popping/clicking noises, his eyes are half shut and hes quite lethargic and keeps falling over/stumbling. he is about 20 months old now and was absolutely fine the day before. I havent changed anything like food/bedding so I dont think its an allergic reaction, but hes not eating or drinking anythjng, despite my efforts to try and help and encourage him to do so. so far I've tried mushing his food up with some warm milk and spoonfeeding him, as well as tryjng to give him water with a dropper. ive also put some watered down thyme in his cage and put him in a slightly steamy room to decongest him. its horrible seeing him suffering like this, it breaks my heart ive kept him warm and tried massaging him a bit to help him breathe.

does anyone have any help or suggestions to help him or at the very least make him more comfortable please? its awfully distressing seeing him like this

[Skeever]

A hammy with breathing trouble, and not eating? needs to see a vet ASAP. Others will probably have more first aid advice till you get him to a vet, but I'm not sure a steamy room is good for him....would make him prone to damp and chills and that could be fatal. I think people recommend boiling thyme and letting the vapors get near/into the cage....like when we breathe vapors for our own colds...it helps clear the respiratory passages....but not a sauna like environment.

Get the first vet appt you can, though...not breathing right is an emergency.

[DrKMcK]

I agree. This little one needs a vet right away. Poor little guy. Poor you too.

[becky1412]

Definitely take your hammy to the vet as soon as possible that sounds serious I hope he's ok let us know how he's getting on

[septemberpeach]

So sorry shutslame, this sounds terrible for you both. You obviously care about him very deeply and he will know this and that you're there for him and he's loved. I can't offer you much advice on how to take care of him more. I think attempting to hand feed him is a good idea. You could try some porridge, most hammies really like this so he may take some. Make sure he can access his water easily, so that he can reach it if he attempts to drink and keep him warm and comfortable. Thinking of you both. Sorry can't help more.

[Teddy001]

So sorry you and your ham is going though this. Please take your ham to the vet, ASAP. His condition does sound serious. Please keep us updated. Hugs xx

[cypher]

I'm so sorry for you & little Beans, there is obviously something that needs to be seen by a vet as the others have said, I really hope the vet can help & Beans gets better soon.
Sending lots of healing vibes.

[shutslame]

thank you all for your kind advice, I spent all night on the sofa so I could keep an eye on him! im only going to be able to take him to the vets tomorrow as nowhere in my area is open on a sunday does anyone have any idea how much the consultation fee would be?

[cypher]

Vets fees can vary quite a lot & I have no idea where you are but I always expect to end up paying around £50 for a consultation & any medication that may be needed, it seldom seems to come to less for a first visit but it may be cheaper where you are.

[shutslame]

Originally Posted by cypher

Vets fees can vary quite a lot & I have no idea where you are but I always expect to end up paying around £50 for a consultation & any medication that may be needed, it seldom seems to come to less for a first visit but it may be cheaper where you are.

thank you very much, Cypher! luckily I had some funds put aside for this purpose so that should be manageable, I was worried it would be like 250 or something:s