Tongue hanging out!!- Please help!

[rockylover]

I have drawf hamster who is just under 2 years old. Over the past few days, I have noticed that his tongue is intermittently protruded out of his mouth, to the left side. The tongue appears swollen when it sticks out, but is not out all the time. He is eating less, but is still eating and drinking some. He still runs in his wheel. The left side of his face appeared slightly swollen past few days by his mouth, but looks a bit better today. He is difficult to examine as he is not tame. I would most appreciate any advice, or thoughts on what might be the problem. thanks so much.

[twix and oreo mates4life]

By any chance was he bitten or stung by anything?

[Erin.R]

Have you given him anything different to eat that he could be allergic to? I assume they can react like human allergies and could cause swelling in the tongue, poor little one. You may want to scruff him and check out his mouth. Make sure nothing is wrong with his teeth and if you scruff him well maybe you could get a good look at his tongue as well.

[rockylover]

Originally Posted by Erin.R

Have you given him anything different to eat that he could be allergic to? I assume they can react like human allergies and could cause swelling in the tongue, poor little one. You may want to scruff him and check out his mouth. Make sure nothing is wrong with his teeth and if you scruff him well maybe you could get a good look at his tongue as well.

Hello, thanks very much for your response. I did feed him a new food, but he had the food before about 6 months ago with no problem. I stopped the food right away when I noticed his tongue , just in case. What do you mean by scruff? It seems the left side of his mouth is bothering him, as he keeps rubbing his left pouch. His tongue hangs to the left side. I am very worried, and appreciate any guidance and ideas you have. thanks so much!

[rockylover]

Originally Posted by twix and oreo mates4life

By any chance was he bitten or stung by anything?

Hello, thanks very much for your response. I do not think he was stung or bitten. He is rubbing his left pouch, and the tongue hangs to the left. He is not tame, so difficult to examine. I am so worried about him. Any other suggestions or ideas are much appreciated. thanks!

[NiceCrocs]

The rubbing at his pouch makes me think he may have an abscess or infection in his mouth or pouch. I would suggest taking him to a vet if you can

[Erin.R]

That's what it sounds like to me too. You will want to see a vet, it can be pretty painful for them if they have problems with their pouch or in their mouth. Make sure he is able to eat and drink normally. I would probably give him baby food until he can see a vet. I hope you can get him fixed up You will want to look up scruffing, I'm not sure I can explain it well but it's so you can hold them upside down and see in their mouth and do a overall health check. they can not move as much when you are scruffing them.

[Erin.R]

I would keep him off the new food just to be safe too

[rockylover]

Thanks for your advice , I appreciate everyone responding so quickly! I just hope so much it is something treatable.

[rockylover]

thanks again, can a drawf hamster eat baby food? He is trying to eat, but certainly is not eating normally. He is able to drink from his water bottle. thanks very much for your help!