Swollen stomach syrian.

[Hammie.A]

My 2 year old Female syrian hamster has a very swollen tummy.

She is still very active and I have given her a thorough health check, she doesn't flinch or seem in any pain when I was feeling her stomach.
I can't feel any lumps or abnormalities in her.
Her stooles are normal and she is passing urine and opening her bowels fine. There is no bleeding or discharge from any oraphis.
I used my stethascope on the and her haert rate is normal and her digestive system is making plenty of noises which is always good.
She is on carefresh bedding and the toilet tissue p@h stuff.

Nothing in her cage has changed. Not even her diet.

She still has 10 minute in her ball, 50 mins free time in the room each night, which is hamster proofed to the max!

So I am completley baffled.

I haven't a clue.

Does anyone know what it might be??

xx

[Lougarry]

I very much hope it isn't, but a swollen tummy can be one symptom of pyometra.

Nat wrote a very good summary of signs and symptoms after Honeydo's hysterectomy, here:
Pyometra Information

Might be worth checking to ensure she doesn't have any of the other symptoms.

[Hammie.A]

I did think that but she hasn't any other symptoms

I really hope it isn't as she is my amazing ambassador!

x

Would be great if i got some more replys! worried about her!!

[Lougarry]

Bump!!
Any other suggestions, please?

[CoolcatNatNat44]

I dont have any idea of what it could be but it might be best to get her checked out by a vet ?

[fluffymunchkins]

A swollen tummy is cause for concern, I would take her to the vet asap.
It could be closed Pyometra, as there is no discharge, though I'd expect she'd be in more pain.

But there are numerous other things such as an internal tumour - though this rarely causes syymetrical swelling.
Peritonitis (infection in the blood, linked to kidney failure) which causes fluids to accumulate in the abdomen.

Shes at a good age now, sending all the best xx

[Hammie.A]

But i'd have thought she'd be in pain and all hunched up not looking well at all!

She doesn't seem to be in any discomfort. Even when I gently squeeze her stomach.

My last girl who had pyo it was closed she showed pain straight away but she died during the op.
I don't want my flo to die!!

How would this have been caused like if it is the infections

[fluffymunchkins]

Kidney failure is very common in elderly hamsters, which can lead to the build up of bodily fluids. I have no experience with it myself, so thats all I can say really.

I cannot determine exactly what it is, nor can I know if it is serious or not. So an examination from a vet will be best x

[sammyandralph]

When my Bambi had a pyo,she was still fairly active and eating,she lost a little weight,the only symptom she had was th discharge and generally not looking herself,I would take her to the vet,it's better to take them to the vet and find nothing than there be something seirious and your ham suffering c

[souffle]

It could be a closed Pyometra and the hamster will often appear quite normal until the toxins in the womb filter into the blood system. Is she drinking more than normal at all?
Tumours of the reproductive system and cysts on the ovaries are fairly common in older females so she may have one that cannot really be felt. They will be fine until the tumour interferes with the function of another essential organ.
Kidney failure, heart failure or liver failure as fluffymunchkins said can result in fluid gathering in the abdomen or sometimes the chest. You may see her panting a lot or fast breathing if it is this and these hamsters usually sleep a lot and tire easily. With kidney failure the hamster will produce increasing amounts of urine and much more dilute than normal. When they fail totally they seem to stop urinating at all and pass on fairly quickly after this.
Your vet could do a scan and this would show if there was anything in the womb. At this age she may not cope with an op to spay too well but you could always ask the vet's opinion.
Hope that helps.