I think Bella is sick :(

[MandyP]

I noticed when i got Bella out tonight she smelt a bit......i put her in her ball while i cleaned her out and couldnt notice anything in her cage like blood, diarrhea etc....so i checked her over but as soon as i picked her up again the smell was very stong and i noiced this think smelly cream coloured gunk on my hand. I turned her over and noticed it coming from her back end I am taking her to the vets first thing tomorrow (they are open on a Sunday for an hour) but any thoughts on what is may be or what i can do to help her during the night. I have noticed anything changing in her apart from the normal behaviour of an old hammy ( she is ).

[Hammymad]

Hey Mandy.sorry to hear about Bella,it sounds to my like she might have an infection,if you google Pyometra (and there's a thread on here about it somewhere too)
That's good your vets are open tomorrow,me and my hams will keep our fingers and paws crossed.
I do kmow that hamsters can have some discharge when they are in heat,so I suppose its possible it could just be that.Although I'm not sure that hamsters still go into heat once they get older? I'm sure another member will have more insight on this.
If she's not acting any differently then it may be normal,keep us posted Hun xx

[MandyP]

Thank you i will look that up now. I have just gone and checked on her and she looks a little off colour. I have never noticed this in the years of having her so i ruled out her being in heat but it could in fact be. I tried to google it but all i got was Wet Tail which i dont think it is but i have never seen wet tail so could be wrong. I will look up Pyometra now

[Angelhamster]

I hope the trip to the vets helps identifies what it is and she can get some help. Best of luck

[Hammymad]

You're welcome.I hope Bellas feeling back to her normal self again soon.its not nice when our babies are poorly xx

[MandyP]

Ahh i think this is what Sookie had and she had to be pts the smell is so strong, i have just cleaned her out and it stinks in her cage Should i try and clean her bottom or just leave her be. She is currently rearranging her cage and storing her food that i have scattered in there. I have noticed over the past week she seems to be storing more food than normal but just thought she was not hungry and changing her storing as its gone so cold again.

Im really upset and i dont want to loose her Her and Dexter are very close to us all as they were are first hammy into our family

Dexter has been showing alot of signs of old age so have been preparing for the worse with him. So Bella becoming ill has come as a shock. Sorry if i am over reacting but they mean so much to me x

Edit - Forgot to add there is no blood, when Sookie had it she had blood coming out not so much puss... and it wasnt smelly

[RachK]

Mandy I wouldn't clean her bum. When Poppy had this (if Bella does), I just kept her warm & as comfortable as possible.
You are not overreacting. Don't be silly she is a much loved pet, its only natural to be worried.

[Hammymad]

Originally Posted by MandyP

Ahh i think this is what Sookie had and she had to be pts the smell is so strong, i have just cleaned her out and it stinks in her cage Should i try and clean her bottom or just leave her be. She is currently rearranging her cage and storing her food that i have scattered in there. I have noticed over the past week she seems to be storing more food than normal but just thought she was not hungry and changing her storing as its gone so cold again.

Im really upset and i dont want to loose her Her and Dexter are very close to us all as they were are first hammy into our family

Dexter has been showing alot of signs of old age so have been preparing for the worse with him. So Bella becoming ill has come as a shock. Sorry if i am over reacting but they mean so much to me x

If it were me I'd probably try and clean her bum (unless she was frantic) is she seems relaxed enough get either an unperfumed baby wipe or soak a cotton wool ball in warm water and pick her up and place it under her bum and gently wipe (that's what I did when Cookie had the runs and it kept her calm,instead of trying to turn her over,as I know they aren't keen on that)
You're not over-reacting Hun,she means the world to you and you don't want to lose her.try not to think the worst I know it's hard when all sorts is running through your head.
It's a shame when our little babies start showing signs of getting older,4 out of 5 of mine are 17 months and up xxx

[Hammymad]

P.s by her re-arranging her cage.it might be best to leave her be, amd not try and clean her bum,but keep checking on her (sorry didn't take that bit in properly about her rearranging her cage) xxx

[MandyP]

Ok i will leave her be. I keep checking on her to make sure she is ok and she is at her food store and then moving her bed round her cage

I just worry as there was nothing that could be done for Sookie I will let you know how the vets go tomorrow