*Help Please* Bloated hamster

cara_87 · 05-07-2016, 11:01 AM

Got a 6 month old Syrian named Merida and on the 3rd I noticed she looked unusually bloated and sluggish. I was worried so went to the vets, she was still eating and doing solid poos so he advised she was constipated, most likely from eating her Carefresh bedding. Was prescribed some liquid paraffin to give twice daily and switched to sawdust. 4 days later and she's still bloated but today she's got diarrhea

is this just the paraffin finally kicking in and her system clearing? She doesn't seem to be in pain and is still eating and drinking, any advice would help or has anybody got through a similar situation? Thanks x

Nancy's Hamsters · 05-07-2016, 11:49 AM

I'd suggest phoning the Vet and asking them as if it is from something else they can get her back in to see what is going on.

Pebbles82 · 05-07-2016, 12:28 PM

She is more likely to be pouching the bedding than eating it. Check the Carefresh bag though - some older stock had bicarbonate of soda in, in the US. What does it say on the bag, what is the serial number and date? I guess liquid paraffin could be giving her the runs. As Nancy says though, maybe some more advice from a vet is needed. To be honest that didn't sound like great advice to me, from a vet. Was it an exotic vet, because I think that's what you need if you're in the US. If you're in the Uk then the Carefresh is fine, it never had the bicarb added in the Uk.

cara_87 · 05-08-2016, 02:16 AM

I'm in the U.K. I haven't seen her eating the bedding, that's just what the vet thought it was as it felt like a blockage rather than a lump. Just your average vet I think, mostly deal with cats, dogs and rabbits.

cypher · 05-08-2016, 03:00 AM

It sounds as though the liquid paraffin was a bit too much for her, eating substrate is rare, a blockage could be caused by a number of things & the vet would need to investigate that further really.
Is she still the same now, better or worse?
I would start her on probiotics asap, make sure she stays well hydrated if you can & either go back to the vet or find another who may have a bit more experience with hams.
Hope she does get over this.

souffle · 05-09-2016, 02:56 AM

Is the vet hamster experienced? Constipation in hamsters is really rare due to the nature of their diet. It is much more likely to be something else causing this and the main cause in females is a pyometra or womb infection. Is there an odd smell about her and is she drinking more than usual? Does she have a discharge from her female vent?
Other causes are tumours and liver and kidney problems and also heart failure which are seen more commonly these days in pet shop lines.
I'd take her back and try and get her scanned to see if there is pus in the womb. If she is still spritely and it is a pyometra then go for a spay as it is the only cure. She may need antibiotics to prepare for this first though.
I'd stop that liquid parrafin stuff myself as it really won't be helping her and she may stop eating from feeling poorly with it.

Pebbles82 · 05-09-2016, 02:59 AM

If you're in the Uk then I doubt bedding would cause an issue or that she has eaten it - I should take her to a different vet (or ring up first and see whether they seem on the ball!) - as Souffle says it's more likely to be something internal that needs treating.

cara_87 · 05-11-2016, 12:36 AM

It's been a week now and she's still the same, she doesn't seem to be in pain and she's still eating and drinking but she's really sluggish and spending most of her time in bed. There's an unpleasant smell about the cage but to be honest I just assumed it was her poos, have been cleaning it out every other day. Souffle, I noticed you're in Yorkshire, I'm East Yorkshire, are there any vets you could recommend? Thanks for all your help

souffle · 05-11-2016, 01:08 AM

We are near Holmfirth West Yorkshire and only see Robert Whyte at Donaldsons Vets in Thongsbridge. It's a bit of a drive. I'd ask if they will scan her to see what is going on inside. It sounds as if it would be worth finding out as the antibiotics are not working to reduce the swelling.
There is a vet finder here which you could check through for a nearer vet baring in mind some of the recommendtions are quite old
Good vets finder

Pebbles82 · 05-11-2016, 03:38 AM

York would probably be closer to you if you're in East Yorkshire - or any city really is likely to have a good vet. It sounds like she definitely needs another opinion. Not sure whereabouts you are in East Yorkshire but it could be good to try and find another one closer to home so she doesn't have to travel too far if she's not well. One that knows about small animals and hamsters as well.

I don't know if this is one you've tried already but they have practices around East Yorkshire, and if you click on "Services" it says they treat "exotics" as well.

Surgeries - Vets

Exotics - Vets