Urgent! Blood and swollen stomach!

EmberShadow · 03-20-2016, 04:11 PM

I have two Russian dwarf hamsters, Hazel and Pepper, which live together and normally get on very well.
A few minutes ago, I noticed a loud squeaking coming from their cage that sounded different from their usual squabbles. I went to investigate and found Pepper to be chasing on top of Hazel and jumping on her. She didn't seem to be doing too much damage but I got Hazel out to check her over for any injury. Much to my dismay, when I checked Hazel's underside, her stomach seems very inflated and there's blood coating it.
I'm unsure of whether this was Pepper's doing or if Hazel has some other ailment that Pepper detected an attacked Hazel because of that.
I'm very concerned about her welfare and would really appreciate some advice, I plan on going to the vets as soon as I can to get a professional opinion but until then I want to do what is best.
I've separated the two so Hazel doesn't get further injuries.

Further information: They're only a few months old and have an extremely good life in a nice sized cage with several attachments. They are on a good hamster feed and get occasional hamster treats. Aside from her underside, Hazel seems very healthy with bright eyes, shiny fur, and I can handle her with no problems.She doesn't seem to be in any pain and is quite happy to eat, drink and play.

cypher · 03-20-2016, 10:14 PM

If the injury is minor it may well heal on it's own, if it needs cleaning you can just bathe it with cooled saline solution.
If you are concerned it may be more serious then a trip to the vet might well be a good idea.
Keep them separate now, don't try to reintroduce them & they will both live happily alone in their own cages.

AmityvilleHams · 03-20-2016, 10:27 PM

Definitely follow all of cypher's advice.Also,I just want to add in that having attachments to cages with pairs can actually cause territorial behavior and could cause fights.Just keep that in mind for future pairs if you ever want another pair.So far it seems very good and you're on the right track!As long as both hamsters have a nice sized cage though they will continue to be happy and healthy living alone with a lot less stress,which is always good.

EmberShadow · 03-21-2016, 02:41 PM

Thanks for the advice, Hazel seems a lot happier today and her stomach seems to be healing. The two scoundrels both have nice sized cages which they love exploring around and generally making a nuisance of themselves.
I'm just going to keep an eye on Hazel for a few days and if she continues to heal then I'm sure they'll be no need to take a trip to the vet.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-21-2016, 02:49 PM

Good timing that it happened when it did (when you were near-by), hope she heals quickly! Makes me not ever want to try to have a pair. Wish they could live happily ever after together

Pebbles82 · 03-22-2016, 03:41 AM

Hope Hazel recovers ok. Are they in separate cages now?

EmberShadow · 03-23-2016, 02:15 AM

Hazel sadly passed away yesterday whilst I was out.

xbuttons94 · 03-23-2016, 03:38 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss EmberShadow. My thoughts are with you and this difficult time and sending lots of love your way x

Pebbles82 · 03-23-2016, 03:58 AM

I am so sorry. Play well over the rainbow bridge little Hazel.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-23-2016, 05:25 AM

Sorry for your loss, must have been really sad. Hope you are ok?