Blood everywhere!

Joanne_ · 11-11-2015, 06:48 PM

I was about to clean my hammy out and noticed blood EVERYWHERE! I can not get over the amount of blood loss. It was all over his cage, splattered up the side, all over his toys, all over him as if he had taken a bath in it. I picked him up and the majority of it was on his upper half, under his arm, across his chest, down his arms and all over his hands. I tried cleaning him up as best as I could, but he was protesting a lot. Anyways I could not see really where it was from, I did wonder if he had got something caught etc. I cleaned him out which took me over a hour and he seems so far *touch wood* he seems okay in himself. Anyways I just checked on him again, and I noticed blood this time from his anus... not a lot but his poop look bloody and stuck. Now of course I am, thinking this is where it MUST have come from? but I am still confused as like I said the blood was pretty much all on his upper half when I checked. I am so worried. Has anyone got a clue what it could be? his stomach area has looked a little swollen the past week or so, so now I am thinking the worst like a tumour? I am of course taking him to the vet tomorrow. I feel so bad for him. He is nearly 3 years old, has respiratory issues(although they seem to have gotten a bit better), his skin is all flakey and past few days his eyes have been sticky. Isn't old age cruel

**DrKMcK** · 11-11-2015, 07:34 PM

Hello Joanne. I am so sorry to see this post. Your little guy is in deep trouble. At his advanced age such an event is really hard on him. I'm glad you have an appointment for him, although I wish they could have taken you in today. What you describe is a real emergency. I would just keep him warm and quiet until you can get him to the vet. Make sure he has easy access to water and food. I will be thinking of you both tonight and tomorrow. You are so right. Old age can be cruel to our little friends and it is hard for us to watch it.

{hugs}

Tyrion Hammister · 11-11-2015, 08:47 PM

Oh, the poor thing

cypher · 11-12-2015, 12:34 AM

Really sorry to hear this Joanne, it really could be any one of a number of things, especially given his age but I really do hope the vet can help, be thinking of you both.
Let us know how you get on & if there's anything you need help or advice with after you see the vet.

Joanne_ · 11-12-2015, 01:27 AM

Thanks for all the replies. His appoinment is in just over a hour. He still seems totally find in himself *touch wood* he has been sat stuffing his face and there is no more blood. He has also cleaned himself up. His eye was stuck togeather bless him. He really is a tough cookie. Never had such an elderly hammy. I am hoping its not as bad as I think and hoping he has one last christmas with us and if he does that would be his 3rd one. Shall keep you all updated

Joanne_ · 11-12-2015, 03:21 AM

Good news guys!! It was not from him bum! Vet thinks he pulled some nails out as he was missing a few and she says they bleed a lot from that. What a silly guy! Hope he won't do that again. She felt him over and says for his age he is really healthy

he got some drops for his eyes.

So happy!

Pebbles82 · 11-12-2015, 03:42 AM

Excellent news! He probably sat in the blood. So glad he's a healthy little guy - even if he is missing a few toenails! I should check out the cage contents to see where he could have caught his nails - if they get stuck somewhere, they will pull hard to escape even if it means their toenails coming out. Sometimes the gaps in bendy stick bridges between the logs can be a bit iffy. Also just wondering, does he use a ball? That's often where hammies get toenails caught while running.

Another place I can think of is his wheel? What wheel does he have? And is it damaged anywhere (eg chewing) or loose or wobbly or anything? It would be nice to know how he managed to do it to prevent him losing any more toenails!

cypher · 11-12-2015, 04:54 AM

That's a big relief! So glad it's nothing more serious & hope it heals up soon.

greysome · 11-12-2015, 06:17 PM

Oh goodness! So glad it was just the nails and not anything worse! Silly fella--making his mummy all worried!

Piebald · 11-12-2015, 10:31 PM

Whew. What did he catch his nails on? My first thought was maybe he has one of those wooden wheels that can have rough surfaces and cut up paw pads. Does he have any new toys? Old ones that are chewed and falling apart? What kind of cage do you have? So glad he's ok. Xx