*URGENT* Chloe's Poorly

layola · 10-27-2009, 12:43 PM

Okay, so yesterday morning i noticed my 1year 9 month old syrian hammy sat in the corner looking rather dazed and breathing heavily.
I got her out and put her on a hot water bottle - i thought that was it, and she was leaving me.

24 hours later shes still with us, but she's not got any better.
All she's doing is sleeping. Since i've had her the only place she's slept is her house. Now shes not sleeping in there at all and just flopping down anywhere. Her breathings still really heavy, and shes been really unbalanced on her back legs (and her feet are looking a slight shade of blue). She's been eating and drinking small amounts, but i've not seen any sign of her passing anything through. At one point; i think she tried, but there was nothing on the sawdust.

I've not taken her straight to the vet as i was going to monitor her myself. I read about strokes, and though there are some things that match- there are many that dont. I don't believe it's a stroke, but then i have no other explaination for her illness. Up until yesterday morning she was happy and healthy; the only thing that i noticed was that sometimes she'd be running around in her cage, and then just stop for a 'sleep' then after a bit, get back up and carry on, and it seems that this is the same thing just ten times worse. I put it down to old age previously as she was happy and healthy in every other aspect.

I don't really know what t do for her; apart from leave her alone to sleep, and make sure she has food and water, and shes nice and warm. I don't know if i should ring the vets as i'm pretty certain (from past experience) that they would take one look at her and tell me to have her PTS. But then again i don't know if thats the best thing for her. If it is something like a stroke i've read that they can get better, so i'm holding onto that little bit of hope.

Any advice appreciated!
I'm desperate.

Thanks x

souffle · 10-27-2009, 02:16 PM

I really think you need to see a vet with Chloe because you would not want her to suffer if there is any chance she is in pain.
It could be a number of things with the symptoms you describe. Is her tummy swollen at all? It sounds like she may have a tumour internally which is pressing on internal organs now and causing major problems. She could also have a pyometra or womb infection, kidney problems or a chest infection. It does not really sound like a stroke to me to be honest. Some of these conditions would be treatable with antibiotics.
I hope you get her seen soon and the vet can do something to help.

layola · 10-27-2009, 03:35 PM

Thanks for your response.
I really appreciate it!

She's going to the vets tomorrow if i can get her an appointment.
I'll post back to let people know what they say.

If anyone else has any idea what it is let me know; just so i can throw some ideas at the vet.
Thanks x