Syrian Hamster Breathing heavy and being lethargic? Im scared

NicolaJane · 12-26-2012, 08:39 AM

Hello everyone I havent made a post on this forum for quite a while, but I thought you guys may be able to help

I have come home from university for christmas and my hamster seems to be acting really strange(more so than normally after she travels)

Normally after travelling she will be quite for a day or two but then shes back to her old self again, however it seems she has suddenly taken ill.

I will try to describe as best I can, she is being really lethargic sleeping all day and night, she used to be very active at night now she just lays there, and has around 30minutes of activness if that. Also when she does walkaround she tends to have her eyes closed like shes really tired. She does not want to sleep in her house anymore,instead she curls up in the corner ofher cage next to the house in some bedding and sleeps there.

Her breating has become very heavy! we can see her stomach going in and out and her heart is beating very quickly. She appears to have lost weight also and feels more fragile.

My hamster is around 1 year and 3months. I know they dont live that long

but surely its not time yet. Any help would be much appreciated thankyou x

Stockannette · 12-26-2012, 09:02 AM

Hi, Nicola - can you take her to the vet's and have her checked out?

I hope everything works out.

NicolaJane · 12-26-2012, 09:04 AM

No I dont really have one avaliable to me. I cant afford the costs, and dont have one in my area really. But I might have to sort one out, because I dont want her to be in pain.

suga · 12-26-2012, 09:18 AM

I think a vet visit is going to be needed. They should be open tomorrow morning so call first thing and see if you can get the little one seen.

Edit: Maybe see if family or friends can help out with costs - just seen your post.

csockman · 12-26-2012, 09:43 AM

Here are some resources you can use to hopefully find a rodent friendly vet in your area. Based on your vernacular, I am assuming you reside in the U.K. If that is not the case, let me know, because I have a few more resources.

AEMV - Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians - Select state in the drop-down list and click "Get Vets"
Exotics Veterinarian in the U.K. - Ailments & Injuries - Hamster Hideout Forum - U.K. list
Good vets finder - U.K. list