Respiratory Issue/Antibiotic Injection? Too much?

[bghamsters]

My female Syrian has not been herself the past week. She's usually a very active hamster and runs every night. I noticed she stopped running some nights and kept waking up with sticky eyes and gunk around them. I tried using a saline solution to wipe it away thinking it's just some typical crust from sleeping, but it kept happening and given her lethargy, I decided to take her to the vet for a checkup. The vet determined she is possibly dealing with a respiratory infection. The vet gave her 3 injections. Antibiotic/anti-inflammatory/B-vitamin. It seemed like a lot and I felt so horrible, but Slinky seemed to be doing better was more active when we got home. However, the vet wants me to come back for 4 more days for an antibiotic injection.

Whenever I see sick hamsters online and in groups, I usually see oral antibiotics administered. I do live in Serbia, so I'm not sure if it's different. Sadly, we have a limited choice of exotic vets. Someone informed me on a Facebook hamster group that injections are too excessive for a respiratory illness and it's too hard on them and will do more harm than good. Should I insist to switch to oral antibiotics from here on out? I don't want to harm my hamster with all these pokes.

[Ria P]

I don't know the answer because i'm not a vet but yes, i would be concerned as well. I would have asked the vet to explain why he thought injections were needed instead of oral medication.

Vets need to weigh a hamster and work out the dosage of oral antibiotics going by their bodyweight because the antibiotic is manufactured for cats or dogs (different strengths) so has to be adjusted for a hamster.

Did he check the inside of her mouth? Sometimes oral problems can affect the eyes.
With a respiratory infection your hamster's breathing would probably be affected. Did you notice any wheezing?

I would ask to see a different vet to get a second opinion. I saw three different vets when one of my hamsters took ill and was much happier and confident with the third one.