Herman has a cold :( Help!

Linzie · 09-06-2010, 05:43 PM

I've had a cold for two weeks and was trying to be very careful, but I live in a small studio flat, and Herman (LH Syrian) has finally caught it. I have been washing my hands like crazy and trying not to handle him.

He definitely has a runny nose. I think eyes are beginning to look a tiny bit watery but hard to say. Not spotted any sneezing or coughs... seems to be breathing ok. He's not been very active tonight but has been on his wheel a tiny bit. But mostly is just sitting in his house. He has been drinking a lot of water over the last couple of days. I haven't seen him eat or drink much today but can't be certain as he usually eats while I'm asleep anyways.

Is there anything at all I can do? Is it worth taking him to the vet for a cold? I am worried and feel terrible for passing on my germs.

starrylight99 · 09-06-2010, 06:15 PM

I would say, if you're concerned, then by all means take him to the vet. Since hams are so small, harmless human infections can do a lot more damage to them. Taking him to the vet certainly can't hurt.

I'm not sure about the runny nose, but if he seems a bit congested, try taking him into the bathroom with the hot water running in the shower, the steam will help with any congestion.

Katty_Sheldon · 09-06-2010, 08:45 PM

Id totally avoid the steam around hamsters, he would get damp and catch even a worst cold maybe? (No experience but i would not try)
Id say take him to the vet, he could give him some hamster meds

suga · 09-06-2010, 11:29 PM

Take him to the vet. A cold could easily turn into a chest infection and that will require antibiotics. I have in the past "steamed" with some water in a bowl with decongestion stuff in it and he can help with breathing. But only after i had visited the vet. Hope you can get an appointment quickly and that everything is okay.

fluffymunchkins · 09-07-2010, 10:48 AM

Colds are much worse for hamsters then for humans!
I hope he starts feelign better soon x

Linzie · 09-07-2010, 10:54 AM

I'm been watching him... his breathing seems normal and I did hear him running on his wheel a fair bit last night which is a good sign. He is eating and drinking.

I guess I'm just going to watch and see if his breathing gets worse. I imagine at this stage, unless its an infection, theres not much a vet can do for a cold.

Poor thing.

wofunny · 09-07-2010, 10:56 AM

Hope he feels better soon! And same to you

starrylight99 · 09-07-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katty_Sheldon

Id totally avoid the steam around hamsters, he would get damp and catch even a worst cold maybe? (No experience but i would not try)
Id say take him to the vet, he could give him some hamster meds

I hadn't thought about that before but you raise a good point. My vet recommended the steamy room when my robo had a URI, but I do see how it could cause them to get chilly and even sicker. I wonder if other people have had experience with that?

suga · 09-08-2010, 09:36 AM

Linzie - if your worried I would still arrange the vet visit. Hamsters can go down hill so quickly if they get an infection. Better to be safe then sorry.

Linzie · 09-09-2010, 07:54 PM

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice.

After a few working from home on 'hamster watch'. I made sure he was warm and cosy and spoiled him a little with warm milk and brown bed.

His runny nose seems to have dried and he seems pretty much back to normal.

Phew! I did have the vet on speed dial just in case.