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Old 09-11-2018, 01:47 PM   #1
astrid
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Default Should I bring new hamster for a vet check up?

I have adopted a new Syrian hamster (male, 10 months) today. His previous owner had to rehome him due to poor health (the owner's) and not being able to provide him with the attention he needed.

It is obvious that the hamster was well-loved - he came with appropriate-sized cage and wheel, and a varied selection of accessories. I intended to let him settle in before attempting to handle him (or clean, etc). However, the cage had a strong smell, so, after some consideration, I decided to clean it.

It became apparent that the cage hasn't been cleaned in quite a while. The plastic base had old urine stains, there were some rotten fruits or veggies buried in the bedding, there was mould, and quite a few small flies crawling through the bedding.

I cleaned everything thoroughly and disinfected the cage (with a pet-safe spray) and put all new items into the cage. I am still concerned if living in such environment could have made an impact on the hamster's health. He already has gone through a major stress of travelling and having his cage thoroughly cleaned, so I am not keen to add to it by bringing him to the vets. But should I? Or what signs should I look out for?

He is quite big in size. So far, he seems rather slow (but it might be just because he's terrified after so many changes in one day) but not lethargic. He was grooming himself but not excessively. He's slowly exploring the new layout of his cage. He was nibbling on some sunflower seeds, hasn't drunk anything yet. He's just started running on his wheel.
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Old 09-11-2018, 02:30 PM   #2
BubbyandHamper
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Default Re: Should I bring new hamster for a vet check up?

Maybe you should wait until tomorrow for a checkup. Or if you're willing to risk waiting instead of traveling, the day after. Just don't do it today- he will get wet tail from that much exitement in one day. Especially since you just got him.
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Old 09-11-2018, 09:40 PM   #3
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Default Re: Should I bring new hamster for a vet check up?

I would be inclined to watch & wait tbh, he may well be fine & it's probably not worth stressing him with taking him to the vet unless he shows any signs of being unwell, it will most likely take a little while for him to settle & adjust to his new home & clean cage so I'd give it a few days at least to see how he goes unless you see any really worrying signs.
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Old 09-11-2018, 09:52 PM   #4
mangoandmimi
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Default Re: Should I bring new hamster for a vet check up?

Glad to hear he’s in a clean cage now. Some males can be extremely laid back and really do look quite slow so it might be normal behaviour for him. You just need to ensure he’s eating, drinking, has a healthy coat and is just doing regular hamstery things. He won’t get wet tail if he goes to the vets now - he’s 10 months old. I would also wait at least a few days to go to the vets though if he still looks ok. Been a stressful time for him.
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Old 09-12-2018, 05:33 AM   #5
souffle
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Default Re: Should I bring new hamster for a vet check up?

I would also leave him and see how he settles down. It will take a few days at least for him to adjust to a new home. I hope he does settle and a vet visit will not be needed.
Well done for offering him a home.
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Old 09-12-2018, 08:05 AM   #6
astrid
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Default Re: Should I bring new hamster for a vet check up?

Thank you all for the advice, I do appreciate it a lot. You are right, he has been through a big transition recently, so I will just keep an eye on him and hope that he is healthy and settles in well. So far, I haven't seen him today yet (he has burrowed down into the bedding during the night) but I noticed most of the treats as well as seeds and nuts from his Harry Hamster mix gone, so he does seem to have an appetite
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