Syrian Hamster Sitting/ Concerns

[EloiseAndKian]

Hi guys,
So, I am looking after my friend's ginger syrian hamster for a week while my friend is away in egypt. There is a 7 month difference between her and kian! Kian = 5 Months (estimated)
Wotsit = 1 Year

Wotsit is the clever name of this hamster.
Anyway, apart from her being adorably cute, I am a bit concerned.
Her bottom is very dirty, looking like a kind of black-ish colour.
Bigger than a usual hamsters bottom kind of blackish colour.
She also smells, like her bottom smells. I know this may be usual for female syrians having never owned one myself, but should I be concerned? Her tail seems to droop aswell, is this an age thing?

I am just worried, as wotsit is the beautiful ginger hamster that led me to buy Kian <3

Thanks,
Eloise.

[Skeever]

Without more specifics it's hard to tell what might be going on. But what you describe does not sound healthy? Is this a sudden development? Can you post pics so members can possibly recognize whatever is going on.

One year, so far as I know, is still a healthy robust age. One year is the new forty! hehe.....

Let us know more but it sounds like a vet visit may be in the cards, now, or when the owner comes back?

[EloiseAndKian]

Originally Posted by Skeever

Without more specifics it's hard to tell what might be going on. But what you describe does not sound healthy? Is this a sudden development? Can you post pics so members can possibly recognize whatever is going on.

One year, so far as I know, is still a healthy robust age. One year is the new forty! hehe.....

Let us know more but it sounds like a vet visit may be in the cards, now, or when the owner comes back?

I will indeed try and capture pictures but she is a very very fast girl. I will try and explain more if helpful. Her tail droops like, doesnt sag onto the floor but points down, if you get what i mean. Her butt, from the seconds of inspection I could manage, smells very strongly and looks black and brown. But not the normal butt which is small but like an ear stud sized black ness. Sorry I cant fit in much description, but when i go round to the owners house, frequently, this was already happening. She, the owner, says I should wipe her butt with special small-pet-safe wipes, so I will try that.

[Esmy]

Can you tell the difference between dried blood and dried poo? It would be really helpful to know. If it's blood, a vet visit is definitely in order. I'm not sure how best to wipe the bottom. Maybe a baby wipe or moist tpaper towel and dry with a towel? Hopefully others will chime in.

[kyrilliondaemon]

How close together are you keeping the hams? If you can I'd suggest moving them to separate rooms and following basic quarantine precautions (handle the healthy ham first and always wash your hands before and after handling both hams) just to be on the safe side

[EloiseAndKian]

Originally Posted by kyrilliondaemon

How close together are you keeping the hams? If you can I'd suggest moving them to separate rooms and following basic quarantine precautions (handle the healthy ham first and always wash your hands before and after handling both hams) just to be on the safe side

Will be doing so, they are in seperate rooms and will not contact eachother.

[EloiseAndKian]

Originally Posted by Esmy

Can you tell the difference between dried blood and dried poo? It would be really helpful to know. If it's blood, a vet visit is definitely in order. I'm not sure how best to wipe the bottom. Maybe a baby wipe or moist tpaper towel and dry with a towel? Hopefully others will chime in.

By the smell and the way it looks I could say 95% sure it is dried poo, thanks for the help ^-^.

[Esmy]

Diarrhea is still a reason to take her to the vet if she seems unwell to you. Glad it's not blood!

[EloiseAndKian]

Originally Posted by Esmy

Diarrhea is still a reason to take her to the vet if she seems unwell to you. Glad it's not blood!

So I am! Will speak to the owner when she gets back, ask her to take her to the vet. Since she is currently on a flight to Egypt I believe contacts are limited and I want her permission for a vet checkup before I do take her to the vet, thanks for your help anyway.

[Esmy]

Good luck, I hope the girl clears up.