Is my hamster Dieing? How can I help her feel better?

[jesterben]

Hi I really need help on how I can help my hamster! She is a female syrian and is a year and a half. A week ago she had woken up earlier then usual and was stumbling around her cage. Her eyes were half closed not perky looking, she had a lose of balance and strength and was extremely tired but couldnt find comfy place to rest. Then the next day she was fine but four nights later she was sick again! But this time she came out early, half closed eyes, her ears WERE perky, she was breathing quickly, had a lose of balance and strength and when she was resting she would suddenly wake up and be running panicky. And then the next day she was fine again! And then four days later(today) she has the same symptoms but seems to want to keep active but also seems to be in pain.

She seems to have lost weight but I have been feeding her veggies and she has been eating all her food. Also she has been drinking plenty of water. Does any one have any ideas of what it could be? I really need help! How could I make her more comfortable?

[DrKMcK]

Your hammy needs to see a vet. Drinking lots of water could mean a problem with her kidneys or diabetes. The on again off again symptoms is confusing. Only a vet can help you with this. I hope she's okay.

[racinghamster]

Hi jesterben. Her symptoms seem to be recurring, so there could be an underlying reason for this. She isn`t old, but some hamsters can start to get conditions that can affect them long before they reach two years old. The dashing about means she could be feeling a pain or her heart is racing or fluctuating. I`m not a vet, so when symptoms like this persist and are not just a one off or a change in behaviour due to stressors, I would seek a vets advice if she`s not looking any better.

It`s good that she is drinking, but I`m not sure that Syrians suffer the same diabetes risks as dwarf hamsters can, so if she does have diabetes, she may be having high and low sugar level dips, or as DrKMcK said, her kidneys could be affected.

Is she bright eyed, ears up and normal when she`s not showing these symptoms? Or is she like this every time you see her?

[jesterben]

Ya during the four days in between she is her usual self, bright eyed, has energy, and ears are all perky.

There are not many hamster vets in my area but I will see what I can find.

[DrKMcK]

I am so glad she is feeling better. I hope you can find a vet just in case you need one in future.