Help diagnosing my tiny hybrid please.

samincittagazze · 04-02-2011, 05:42 AM

I've mentioned before here that I am concerned that Frohike is too skinny. Despite trying to feed her a high protein diet, she hasn't gained any weight in 3 weeks and is as tiny as ever. She also seems to not be as active as she used to be, though I don't know if this is just because she's not a baby anymore?

I've taken a urine sample test today using a normal human multistix -I carry them for work (the glamour!) so I'm assuming this will be an accurate test for hammies too? She has lots of Keytones but no Glucose, am I right in assuming this makes her a certain type of Diabetic?

So, now what do I do? I realise I need to change her diet, but what too? Currently she loves sunflower seeds, do I have to take those away from her. I'm also worried about her poo. She poos A LOT, I counted 8 in about 2 minutes today. Most of the time this is formed and normal, but then occasionally one appears that is very soft and squidgy, and what I would describe in humans as a 'loose stool'. I know hamsters are crop-croc-whatever, where they redigest certain nutrients, is this what that is? I'm just concerned it may be part of her overall health problems.

I thinking I need to take her to the vet on Monday to get her checked over, am I right? Poor little thing, I hate the thought of her feeling unwell. Please help! Apologies for the graphicness of some of this post, I'm used to having these convos about humans on a daily basis so I have very little bodily functions filter.

Katty_Sheldon · 04-02-2011, 06:20 AM

One thing that comes to my mind is that maybe she has some parasites? Maybe make sure you can take some fresh fresh poo with you (best poo during transport?) and make the vet take a sample to check. But I am not well informed about this stuff, its just an idea!

samincittagazze · 04-02-2011, 09:59 AM

I've just popped her over to the vet who thinks that she may have an infection, and her body is burning everything off to try and keep it at bay. She's given her a 5 day course of baytril and some pain relief, and advised me to take the majority of carbs out of her diet and focus on protein. So I've picked all the wheat out of her food and given her mainly seeds and meal worms, any other suggestions?

The vet said that it's possible she may have to be spayed if we can't sort the infection.

I HATE that idea, she's such a tiny tiny little thing, no bigger than a robo really, it terrifies me. And she was so good and sweet at the vets, they all fell in love with her. My poor beautiful baby, I hope she feels better soon.