Bleeding hamaster :(

littlebrownhamster · 12-29-2016, 03:44 AM

Hello,

I found some specks of blood in my hamsters cage last night but I could not see where the blood had come from. Her urine and droppings are completely normal, she is eating and drinking as usual and she is alert and her coat looks shiny.

There is no blood in the bedding today but it looks like the blood has come from her bottom

I have booked the vet to check her over but looking at other p osts on here it doesn't look like it will be good news

I was wondering if anyone else's hamster had similar symptoms but managed to have the hamster treated successfully? I am guessing it is likely to be a tumor or cyst (though there are no obvious lumps).

Thanks in advance!

cypher · 12-29-2016, 04:55 AM

Finding blood is always a real worry so it's good that you're taking her to the vet, try not to think the worst just yet.
There are quite a few possible causes, a UTI or kidney/bladder stones can cause bleeding as well as more serious problems like tumours or pyo but even these are often treated successfully, to some extend it depends on age & general health but hams can undergo surgery, recover well & go on to lead normal happy lives.
With no other signs or symptoms to go on there's no way of guessing what the problem may be but I hope all goes well at the vets for you & they can help her.
Let us know how you get on.

Thin Lizzy · 12-29-2016, 05:25 AM

Like Cypher mentioned it could be a UTI or kidney stones. Don't go assuming the worst, you've arranged a vet appointment and I've got my fingers crossed for your little girl.
My hamster Archie had blood in his pee and he was on a few courses of antibiotics, in all it took 6 weeks till he was fully recovered, because of his age it took longer for the infection to clear up but, once it did he was back to his normal self. He had a good long life.

littlebrownhamster · 12-31-2016, 02:42 AM

Thank you both for your replies.

The vet thinks it is either a womb infection or a UTI. It is looking more likely that it is the womb unfortunately.

She is on Baytril for 3 days and we will see how she goes. The vet mentioned getting her spayed but they don't do the operation at that practice. I am not sure about the operation because she was very stressed going to the vets yesterday - squeaking and trying to bite! I don't know whether it would be fair to put her through the stress.

She is still very bright, climbing all over the cage and eating loads. Her weight is up at the top of the hamster scale and her coat and eyes are bright and shiny.

I mixed the baytril with a tiny amount of squash and she loves it so much she tries to pull the syringe out of my hands! (The squash is sugar free and literally only a tiny drop).

I hope the antibiotics do the trick, but I am aware that I need to make a decision on what to do if they dont.

Thin Lizzy · 12-31-2016, 03:56 AM

Don't be too disappointed if the infection doesn't clear up after 3 days, don't stop using it after 3 days, I was always told to finish the prescription, vets will always give you more than 3 days worth.
How old is your hamster and when are you back at the vet?
What's your hamster called?

cypher · 12-31-2016, 05:19 AM

Sorry to hear your ham may have pyo, if that is the case then antibiotics are often given before surgery but without the op they don't often work alone, going to the vets can be stressful for them but a little stress now may be better than putting it off.
Many hams do have this operation & recover well going on to lead happy healthy lives so don't be to disheartened if it is definitely pyo, hopefully it is just a UTI but maybe best to give some thought to the operation now just in case.