Drinking more...

[SnickersTheFirst]

Originally Posted by Minnie

Hi

Unfortunately it could be pyometra (Pyometra in hamsters), which is an infection in the womb. If it is, then the most effective treatment is a hysterectomy or less effective are antibiotics. Either way you need to get her to the vet sooner rather than later. There seem to be two forms of it - open when there is a pussy discharge from the vagina or closed which can really only be judged by seeing if there has been any significant weight gain recently.

However, on the positive side Ruby is still fairly young and this has a tendency to affect hamsters which have gone through many more cycles than six or seven.

My advice would be to err on the side of caution and take her to the vet.

Good luck.

You'd see alot more signs for Pyometra than just drinking more. They'd have a large abdomen etc. too. I doubt it's this.

[Roxie]

Wouldn't they be in a lot of pain if it was Pyometra? I've never experienced it so would be interested to know.

[fluffymunchkins]

A hamster with Pyometra will have noticable signs of discomfort or pain. Its an awful illness and spaying is the only treatment option, as antibiotics will only temporarily help x

[souffle]

Is she by any chance chewing the water bottle spout while you are not looking? Hamsters with this habit ingest a lot of water and consequently pee it out. It is not terribly good for them. I would try this for a few days. Remove the bottle and give her a bowl of water. If she drinks a normal amount her pee output will drop and you will know it is overdrinking due to water bottle chewing.
If she continues to drink a lot and pee a lot then she is actively taking in water so she needs to see the vet to find out if this is diabetes, kidney problems or possibly a pyometra which can start with drinking a lot.
I hope it is naughtly chewing and she is OK.

[MzWiz0915]

Polyuria and polydipsia (exessive peeing and drinking) are never a good sign for mammals. It may be organ trouble, like my Pica, she has amyloidosis which is protein deposits in her kidneys and other organs. The great thing about hamsters is that if there is a problem, like something with the kidneys, they are generally able to live for a long time with reduced kidney function.

I hope it's nothing serious! If you're very concerned I would take her to the vet. I noticed when Pica was young she started with the polyuria/polydipsia and I didn't take her since I assumed it was diabetes and I knew there wasn't much the vet could do for her. But, now that she's been seen it turns out it's a kidney problem and I had her on the wrong diet

I hope all works out for you and your ham!

[Minnie]

Hiya

I take your point regarding a bloated abdomen but I think readers should be aware that this is only apparent with closed pyometra. With open pyometra the infection can pass through the body so look out for signs of wetness near her genitals.

Like the others have said on this thread, it probably isn't this - just get your little friend checked out.