New hairless hamster with URI

[Shadokat]

Thanks again, folks.

One thing I want to clarify. I'm not holding back from going to the vet because I think I can do better. I literally do not have money for it. Money arrives at a certain time every month and I have to budget it sparingly. Right now I have literally $25 in the house and a vet costs four times that. I didn't expect to have to adopt three new hamsters so suddenly, let alone a sick one. Please stop lecturing me about going to the vet. I know, and we have an appointment next week when I can pay for it.

Now, for what I have been able to do. I got some vapo-rub and placed a small amount outside her cage near her sleeping area. A short time later I gave her a piece of cucumber, and to my surprise she had opened her eyes! The sounds she was making were softer and she seemed more at ease. Hopefully the vapo-rub is giving her some of the same decongestant properties that it does humans. I'm not putting it directly on her or anywhere she can get to it. It's just close to her sleeping area so she can breathe the smell. But I forgot to get baby food earlier at the store. She's not fond of cucumber but does eat some.

I was interested in using thyme tea for symptom relief, not as an antibiotic or cure. Does it not help with symptom relief?

She already nests with several soft and warm small blankets and mats and I've been giving her extra tissues to nest with. She doesn't pouch them but becomes very excited when I give them to her. I gave her more and softer bedding when I got her because she's hairless. I also have a plush sleeping hut on the way. She already has a 8"×10" fleece mat, two small 4" round fleece mats, a fleece hammock that covers most of the cage and that she mostly stays under, Kaytee natural paper bedding and tons of shredded Charmin toilet tissue. She's well nested. I have bought a 8"×8" fleece lined sleeping hut for her but it hasn't arrived. She can choose whether or not to sleep inside it. One of my dwarf hamsters has a similar one and she sleeps under it.

Thanks again.

[Hekomi]

The active ingredient in thyme is thymol; when made into tea the concentration is so diluted it won't help. Thymol can be used as a topical antiseptic, but there is little it would actually do for a URI. The vapo-rub will probably help her more right now.

Have you had hairless animals before? I have a plethora of hairless advice but I'm not sure if it's necessary haha.

[Shadokat]

Hekomi,

Thank you! This is my first hairless hamster or pet of any kind. I could really use the advice but don't want to hijack a healthcare thread with husbandry advice. There is so much I don't know! I would appreciate any and all advice. Thank you!

[Shadokat]

Nym went to the vet today.

The doctor doesn't think she has a URI. But her eyelids are rolled in and causing irritation. This makes discharge which affects her sinuses. I have an ointment for her eyes twice a day and an antibiotic to clear of any infection. Her eyes are red and irritated. She could have surgery if she was bigger but she's too small,
at least for this doctor. I could see if a vet microsurgeon exists but it would cost more than I could afford. I hope the ointment can soothe her eyes. He liked that I feed her baby food and suggested I continue indefinitely. He suggested flax seed and/or fish oil for her skin. We already give her flax seed as a treat. She handled the vet visit very well, curious and being very cute. I'm proud of my girl and much less worried about her.

Thanks for all your help and advice.

[AprilPearl]

I'm glad that it isn't a URI. I think the rolled eyelids is quite common with hairless hamsters - they are, unfortunately, susceptible to quite a few health issues. Hope the ointment works it's magic.

Flax seed is great. You might want to substitute evening primrose oil for the fish oil. It works just as well, but is less fatty so more healthy for them to gave, particularly in an ongoing basis.

[Thin Lizzy]

So pleased it's not a URI, hope the ointment helps with her eyes.