Pear shaped hamster

[Oceandrifts]

Our hamster has suddenly gone very pear shaped, he seems ok in all other aspects apart from being slow. He's around 2 yrs old, is he nearing end of life ?

[souffle]

I would say your hammy has either a tumour in his abdomen or fluid gathering there. He is a fabulous age and it may be nearing his time. It would be worth having him checked by the vets though just to make sure there is nothing that can be done.
He could remain quite happy and comfy with a tumour or fluid for a good while yet or he could be approaching the time to leave you so nobody can really say. If he seems happy and still doing all things hamstery and being content then I would just watch for signs he is not coping so well and may need help to the bridge.
I hope he stays OK for a wee while yet x

[csockman]

I would definitely recommend that you take your ham to a vet that has experience with exotics. If this is a fluid build up from a tumor (or something else), you can make his remaining time with you much more pleasant with a diuretic such as Lasix. This drug has been used successfully in rodents and it is quite effective at removing fluid bloat. If, however, your vet is not experienced with rodents, I would suggest that you just try to keep him as comfortable as possible. I don't know where you live, but here is one resource you can use to try to find an exotic mammal vet in your area:

AEMV - Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians

[Oceandrifts]

Just an update to this post, Toby our hamster passed away a couple of days after I posted this. I treated him very well during his last days.

Thanks to everyone who passed on thier advice.

[The Hamster's family]

Very sorry for your loss... =( He was well taken care of to make it to this age and you should be proud of this... I hpe you are feeling better... You can make a memorial in the section of the forum available for this...

Rest well, precious one... Enjoy the Bridge and all its goodies...

Annie xx

[Gayze]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I know that Toby knew how dearly he was, and is, loved.

[Gazmo]

very sorry for your loss..

[Kaztrekie]

So sorry for your loss
Run free at the bridge little guy