Is my hamster dying? PLEASE HELP

laracaloosian · 12-29-2015, 01:00 AM

My hamster, Nugget, is a one and a half year old Syrian hamster. I got him in may of 2014, he's been my best friend since the day he came into my life.

recently I've noticed that he does not come out of his cage to play or run on his wheel anymore. I know he is aging so I assumed everything was well because he does eat and drink quite often. Today when my mom was cleaning his cage, we noticed how his testicles are swollen, one of them is huge and it has a giant red/brown bruise (?) on it. I'm worried sick. Maybe I am over reacting but I cant help but freak out, I can't imagine losing him.

No vets here accept hamsters and the only one that does charges $200+ for only a checkup, and an additional $300 for any care. My family does not have the money. I just want him to be okay.

Shannonmcn · 12-29-2015, 03:17 AM

If he has maybe a twisted testicle or a blockage or a tumor of some kind then there's really nothing you can do other than find a vet to see him. I hope some members from near where you are can see this and possibly advise. There are no home remedies I'm afraid.

If he's become reclusive then it could be a sign he is in pain. Have you kept an eye on how much he is eating and drinking? Is he walking okay when he does come out? Are his eyes still bright and clear and interested? It could be a combination of old age plus another testicular problem that might not be giving him too much trouble but you need to look for signs he is in pain.

Nancy's Hamsters · 12-29-2015, 12:06 PM

Can you get a photo of his bits? May seem silly but if the temps are high he may just be lowering them down to keep them cooler. Some male hamsters are um well pack in there caboose baggage area and when they hang them down to cool they can look quite large, swollen and rather purplish.

Do remember though we are not Vets and observing a Photo is not a sure way to make sure Nugget is not in some kind of issues. I hope you solve his problem soon.

laracaloosian · 12-29-2015, 12:47 PM

He eats and drinks normally, and he walks normally too. His eyes are shut and he has lost lots of hair, he also bit me for the first time ever a few days ago. Thank you for your help! We found a vet and we are taking him later today.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shannonmcn

If he has maybe a twisted testicle or a blockage or a tumor of some kind then there's really nothing you can do other than find a vet to see him. I hope some members from near where you are can see this and possibly advise. There are no home remedies I'm afraid.

If he's become reclusive then it could be a sign he is in pain. Have you kept an eye on how much he is eating and drinking? Is he walking okay when he does come out? Are his eyes still bright and clear and interested? It could be a combination of old age plus another testicular problem that might not be giving him too much trouble but you need to look for signs he is in pain.

laracaloosian · 12-29-2015, 12:50 PM

I know this isnt the greatest photo and it looks like i am manhandling him but it was the only way I could get a good picture, do you notice the giant red bruise and how swollen it is? It is only getting worse

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy's Hamsters

Can you get a photo of his bits? May seem silly but if the temps are high he may just be lowering them down to keep them cooler. Some male hamsters are um well pack in there caboose baggage area and when they hang them down to cool they can look quite large, swollen and rather purplish.

Do remember though we are not Vets and observing a Photo is not a sure way to make sure Nugget is not in some kind of issues. I hope you solve his problem soon.

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Jenibelle · 12-29-2015, 01:25 PM

Unfortunately your photo does not work.

Please keep us updated on what the vet says!

lady jocardi · 12-30-2015, 05:32 PM

How is he today? X

laracaloosian · 12-30-2015, 06:02 PM

Thanks for the help. Unfortunately there was nothing we could do and Nugget passed away yesterday.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenibelle

Unfortunately your photo does not work.

Please keep us updated on what the vet says!

laracaloosian · 12-30-2015, 06:03 PM

The vet said there is nothing we can do to help him. He was very sick and we had to put him down.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lady jocardi

How is he today? X

lady jocardi · 12-30-2015, 06:17 PM

I am so very sorry to hear this. Heartbreaking.
Hugs to you. Sleep well lovely Nugget. Xxx