Gatorade for hamsters? also tumor questions

GreyHamster · 06-09-2016, 07:36 PM

My little sister thought it would be funny to give my hamster, a 15 month old dwarf named Tessa, some blue gatorade. She drank it, and has not seemed to have any sort of discomfort, but I don't know if there is anything in the gatorade that could harm her as she digests it. Any help is greatly appreciated.

On top of that, recently I found out that Tessa has a tumor on her lower stomach. The vet was not sure if it was benign or malignant, but I found another tumor on her chest, so assumably if it has spread it is benign. However, I could barely afford that vet visit, cannot afford surgery, even though the vet offered it, and cannot afford to have her put down. Is there anything I can do to minimize her suffering? I heard that as the tumors spread, the hamsters liver begins to fail because it is working overtime. Is that true? I also heard that giving the hamster dandelion leaves can diminish those liver problems, but I can't find any info about that on this site, and I definitely do not want to try it before confirming that it is okay. I want to do anything that I can to help her through this.

pinkneon · 06-10-2016, 12:41 AM

Firstly, I would take the hamster to the vet!

I have just checked the ingredients. There is a LOT of suagr and salt in it! Is your hamster a hybrid dwarf? As they are prone to diabetes so this much sugar could well be harmful ... Take her to the vet as an emergency - ring for an emergency apointment, and explain the situation, so they will see you

Pebbles82 · 06-10-2016, 01:13 AM

I would just observe her - she'll probably fine just this once - I can't see drinking a tiny bit would instantly cause a major problem unless she is diabetic already. But don't do it again! It isn't just full of sugar and salt it also has citric acid in and hamsters can't digest acids. Anything with lemon juice or citrus fruits is bad for them.