Bloody penile plug, and peeing in nest

[JanineP]

Hiya,

I have a male Syrian hamster, around 2 years of age. I recently took him to the vet as i was noticing that he was drinking more, peeing more and started bleeding from his private area. On two occasions I have found what seems to be a bloody penile plug. Anyway, vet said he has a bladder infection and gave me some antibiotics. After a week I have already noticed improvement in his drinking and (i thought) peeing.

However, he has now started peeing his nest! He has never done this before and I am wondering if this has anything to do with his infection.Other than the above symptoms he is as lively as ever and shows no lethargy.

Is peeing his bed just old age? Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms in their hamster as well as bed wetting? Is he on his way out?

Any help appreciated.

Janine P

[souffle]

It does sound as if the infection has caused irritation of the bladder leading to leaking when he is asleep. Older hamsters do tend to drink more and produce more dilute urine as they weaken with age. Immune systems are also weaker and they get prone to infections. I've not seen the penile plug myself but hopefully the meds should get rid of that. They can also get crystals in the bladder so make sure he can still wee as a blockage is a medical emergency. Keep changing the wet bedding out for him so he doesn't get skin problems from urine.

[JanineP]

Thank you so much for your reply. It has made me feel less worried. Will keep up with the antibiotics and if he still messes his nest i will take him to teh vet. Thanks!