All prey animals do hide their pain but if you know your hamster well you will usually notice a change in their behaviour. They may move differently, or be a lot less inclined to move at all perhaps sitting hunched and fluffed up or looking tired all the time. Squeaking in hamsters is generally caused by severe pain or fear. I'm sure someone else will be able to add to this.
I think some hamsters may become aggressive (that haven't previously) as well as the symptoms hammy_mumma mentioned. I guess a lot would depend on what was actually wrong with your hamster but it's another reason why it's really important to spend time with your pet &a really get to know their personality because your main indicator is that they're bit their usual self.
What the others said plus watch the ears, if a hams ears are down rather than up it's a sign of stress, fear, pain or generally being unwell.
__________________
Slave to Zak.
Always loved, never forgotten, forever in my heart
T'ycor, Ziggy, Zephyr, Flynt, Mickle, Little Whisp, Zen, Zeki, Tinwë, Zylvan, Míriel, Calyanwë, Gusto & Meri ❤️
Look for changes in behaviour, this is a good indication whateveranimal you're dealing with including humans! As has been said already changes in demeanour, posture, friendly ham suddenly bites, you need to know what is normal for your particular ham so you will recognise changes. For instance squeaking is usually a sign of pain/fear, but my ham squeaks when he is particularly contented like having one of those lovely big stretches they do or he gets his absolute favourites to eat, and is generally quite vocal, so squeaking will not be particularly good indicator of something wrong with him.
Hamster Pain
Linear Mode
