How much should a hamster pee? And lying down when out?

[TsukiCatHammy]

Hi, I've put this under health care because it may involve medication.

My Syrian hammy Hoji has an eye infection I've been trying to treat for about 3 weeks. He has some eyedrops from the vet and he's also been taking metacam from them for about 2 weeks. I've noticed that his pee corner has been much wetter than normal and that is drinking a lot... I am extremely paranoid so it's hard to say if he's always done this much or my brains picking at it as a result. I've read about kidney damage from long term metacam use but not sure how long long term is.

Also when he's been out of his cage (he freeroams) I've noticed him lying down in certain spots quite frequently the last few nights. He always has a drink after I out him back so I'm wondering if he's just getting thirsty or if I should be more concerned, the eye infection is obviously hurting him so maybe it could be due to that or the lamp I have on when he's out. He isn't a young hammy these days he's over 2 years old. If anyone has any ideas?

Basically, I was just wondering how much a hamster should be peeing and could it be medication side effects? It's a hard one as I keep getting different vets and I'm not convinced they all know what their actually doing with hamsters, once again maybe my paranoia, and if I phoned them to ask them they would say its normal behaviour. so was just wanting to see what others maybe thought.

Thanks

[TinyBubbles]

I've never has a Syrian, but I know dwarfs do not pee that much. I would certainly call and talk to the vet, maybe there is an alternative medication they could prescribe.

[Nika]

I think peeing a lot could be written off as a side effect but you could always phone the vet and ask if that is normal.
For lying down: I have never really experienced this with any hamster. I'd personally be a bit suspicious about that behaviour, especially if he didn't really do that beforehand. Does he lie down in open spaces, or safe corners? Open spaces would be pretty unusual.

[Maker]

I’ve never had a hammy lay down when out. Take a break sat somewhere, ears up and alert yes but not laid down. Polo is a Syrian and goes wee in her sand pit so usually I find a 2 wet patches each day about the size of a small marble/broad bean, Hope this helps.
I know when my other hammies have got over 2 they haven’t been interested in free roaming, just a short cuddle and hand fed treats then the comfort of their cage. It maybe that Old age is catching up on Hoji

[HamsterLover30]

Hello,
Lying down is something my hamsters have never experienced. However, I'd check with the vet just in case. Peeing a lot might be a sign of diabetes. I'd also check with the vet. I'm sure these could be a medication side effect, but if you weren't told about them, I would contact the vet ASAP. I really hope your hamster gets better.

Then there's the possibility that old age is just getting to them.
She's over 2 years you said, right? They could be peeing more just because they need more water. (No clue on that ) They also might be lying down because they get tired while playing.

I'd just call the vet and clear things up, and if she gets better that's wonderful! I really hope she does.
Thanks,

HamsterLover30