Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity7000
I think that sounds like a good idea getting an appointment tomorrow. At 23 months he is quite elderly as well. A two year old hamster is the equivalent of an 80 year old human. And gradually things can start to pack up. Kidneys beginning to fail is common in older hamsters (signs of this are drinking and peeing a lot more). But they tend to just carry on, like humans. They can get arthritis and toothache as well. Any sign of blood is, as you know, more of an acute issue. It’s a common sign of urinary tract infections but could be something else as well.
In view of his age I don’t think you really want to be having a lot of stressful procedures and hopefully the antibiotics will start to work. I would also ask the vet to prescribe some Metacam as well - it’s anti inflammatory and the only real pain relief for hansters. He is likely to be having some pain if he’s passing blood and they are very good at hiding it. The anti inflammatory can also help in a number of ways.
If it’s a kidney infection (a sign of that can be blood in the urine as well) then it may take the full course of antibiotics, or a change of antibiotics. I would ask the vet about that too. Ie the possibility of it being a kidney infection and if this is the right antibiotic for it if it is. (I say that having recently had a kidney infection myself! It was very painful initially and needed a broad spectrum antibiotic).
There are limited antibiotics that can be used with hamsters but there are others that can be used.
Thinking positive, if he started with discharge, hopefully it’s nothing too serious. But medication is the only option really.
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Thanks a lot once more. His vet did recommend him Inflacam (which is diluted Metacam). I am administering it twice a day for him. You are absolutely right. Hamsters being prey animals hide their issues very well. However, I checked his urine today (just half an hour back) and I didn't see any blood. His somewhat bloodied urinary tract (the reason I started this post) again seems to be clean. I don't know if he perchance scratched something in that area. I will continue the Baytril unless his exotic vet changes it. She first started with Marbocyl which she discontinued after seeing Peanui's loss in appetite. Before her, another doctor (not an exotic vet) had recommended an ointment which contains a somewhat harmful substance phenylmercuric nitrate. I didn't give it to him except for twice (including the time the vet gave it to him). I am really wishing that I will get an appointment today and that he can be checked including some tests, perhaps even a culture test of his urine/pus/blood. Peanui is otherwise very active and is eating fine.
I am really sorry that you went through a hard time with your kidney infection. I hope that you are well now.
Once again, many thanks for helping us through such difficult times.