Hamster started smelling badly

Burakki · 05-24-2018, 06:00 PM

My hamster Marti, a female Syrian, 1 year and 3 months old, recently got an unpleasant smell. It’s strong enough to make her whole hideout smell. The smell kinda resembles poop, and seems to be coming from her backside, but she doesn’t seem to have diarrhea and it doesn’t smell like her heat smell.

There haven’t been any changes in her food or in anything else. The only change was the death of our other hamster, an 8 months old male Syrian. But he didn’t smell this way. And they lived in separate cages (of course), so it shouldn’t have touched her in any way.

She seems active and totally fine otherwise.

Help please!

dreamtree1234 · 05-24-2018, 07:45 PM

I am so sorry that Marti is now smelling strangely. I know that this must be extremely worrisome after all that you have gone through lately. I am not quite sure what could have caused this to occur, but when I was viewing a few other threads that might give me a clue as to what might be ailing Marti, I came across a sticky by CoolcatNatNat44 titled Pyometra Information in the Hamster Healthcare section. This HC member said that other than these sypmtoms, her hammy appeared normal and active, running on the wheel, etc. The thread states that one or more of these can occur:

"Here are a few signs of pyometra in hamsters.
~ Pregnant looking belly and waist
~ Yellow discharge around the womb area
~ Firm belly
~ Sometimes poo around the womb area (pyo causes bowel problems too!)
~ Strong fishy smell
~ Drinking more

Please be aware of when your hamster is in heat a few drops of discharge is normal! Females go into heat every 4 days and they also smell for around this time.

TIP- Easy way to test if your hamster has pyo is to LIGHTLY squeeze the hamsters tummy and if a lot of discharge with a very strong smell comes out its likely your hamster has pyo. I wouldn't test when your hamster is on heat as it will be hard to tell since your hamster with most likely have discharge anyway."

Like I said, I do not know if this is what Marti has; if it is, seeing the vet asap is extremely essential for the survival of your little one. Regardless of whatever is causing this smell, I would suggest taking her to the vet because that smell does sound quite concerning and she may have some other type of infection going on. It is always best to have her checked by a vet so you can treat her as soon as possible. Please keep us updated on how she is doing. My thoughts and prayers are with you both, and I will be hoping with all of my heart that she will be fine. Huge hugs to you, Burakki. As always, cuddles to Marti and Noir, too.

cypher · 05-24-2018, 10:17 PM

My first concern would also be that Marti may have pyo, it would be best to get her checked by the vet to be sure, I'm really sorry you have this concern now & hope she will be ok.

souffle · 05-25-2018, 12:15 AM

This does sound like a pyo to me. It's a very insidious onset and they can appear quite well until it becomes critical. I'd have her seen today. It's bank holiday weekend in the UK and you don't want to be struggling to see a vet.

BorisPasha · 05-25-2018, 03:42 AM

I'm sorry to hear about Marti, I'll be keeping everything crossed that she will be ok xx

Burakki · 05-25-2018, 06:11 AM

Thanks to everyone for replying!

I just scheduled her for a vet visit for tomorrow (I don’t live in the UK, so bank holiday is not a problem), but the weird thing is that she doesn’t smell anymore. Now if I sniff really hard, I can smell her heat smell and her regular smell only.

I wouldn’t call the smell she had as fishy, more as poopy... No signs of discharge or poo around the womb, her belly seems fine and she drinks as usual.

Should l still go to the appointment tomorrow or if she doesn’t smell anymore it’s something different?

By the way, I remembered that a week ago I changed her from wooden substrate to carefresh bedding. That’s the only change I came up with.

dreamtree1234 · 05-25-2018, 09:44 AM

I'm glad that the strange smell has gone away today and she doesn't appear to be having the other symptoms of pyro. However, I would still suggest that you having your darling Marti checked by a vet just to be sure everything is alright with her though. I always feel it is much better to be safe than sorry. Personally, the not knowing is extremely worrisome to me so I would always opt for being extra thorough, going to the vet, and her receiving a clean bill of health so I wouldn't have to continue pondering all of the what if scenarios. Peace of mind is worth tons, and if there is indeed something that is going wrong health wise, it is always better to start treatment as early as possible. I will be hoping that she is as healthy as can be. Please keep us updated on how your cutie is doing whenever you have an opportunity. Best wishes and hugs.

dreamtree1234 · 05-28-2018, 04:57 AM

How is Marti doing today? I will be praying that all is well.

Burakki · 05-28-2018, 10:11 AM

dreamtree, thank you so much for worrying about Marti! Sorry for not replying sooner, I just wanted to be sure before posting anything.
My mom convinced me that I really overreacted since I've been horribly paranoid since Lemon's passing and that the smell was nothing out of ordinary. So, we've decided not to stress Marti with vet visits and just keep an eye on her. Thanks to you I now know what might mean that something's wrong. I haven't felt the smell since the day I created the thread, so for now I'm just trying to relax and believe that everything's alright.

dreamtree1234 · 05-28-2018, 05:57 PM

I am relieved that she is still doing fine and the smell hasn't appeared since the day you posted. That is so wonderful to hear. I totally understand becoming paranoid and extra worried after just losing one so dear to your heart; that is perfectly natural and I know I definitely have been there. Your mom is very wise and gave you excellent advice; you are so lucky to have her helping you through all of this. Take care, keep an eye on your little one, and remain optimistic.