My hamster seems sick but I'm leaving for vacation... will she be okay?

dianewaltz · 07-06-2017, 10:12 PM

Recently my hamster has been acting a bit differently. She's been attempting to bite me more often than she used to (she's always had kind of an attitude but never like this), she's been tipping her food dish, and it doesn't appear that she's been drinking very much water. Also her urine has begun to develop a semi-strong smell; I can only smell it if I put my face close to the cage, but it's definitely stronger than it has been. The only thing that I've been doing differently is that about a week ago I started feeding her a new treat. I realize now that throughout the week I have been feeding her this new treat almost every other night, and this change in diet probably seems very abrupt to her.

If this were any other time I would take her to the vet without many other questions, but the problem is that I'm leaving for a week-long vacation tomorrow morning that I can't get out of. So my question is, do you think my hamster will be okay until I am back? And are her behavior changes possible symptoms of a negative diet change or is there something else going on here? Please let me know ASAP-- also let me know if there is anything I can do for her even while I am away.

Pebbles82 · 07-07-2017, 12:56 AM

Where will she be while you're away on holiday? Are you leaving her in your home with someone else taking care of her or are you taking her somewhere to be pet-sat? With you living in London, there may be some vets who will do home visits. So you could possibly organise a home vet visit now for when you are away which would give some reassurance while you're on holiday.

But if she is biting it does sound like she might be in pain. A lot of vets will see you at short notice - any chance you could get into see one today before you go tomorrow? If something is prescribed, like Metacam, for pain you can show whoever is caring for her, how to give it. If not then try and get a home visit maybe.

cypher · 07-07-2017, 01:26 AM

Serendipity has made some good suggestions regarding vets, I don't think it sounds as though she can just be left until you get back from holiday.
If her urine is smelling stronger it's possible she may have a UTI or if she is unable to drink for some reason (check the bottle works & check her teeth are ok) she may be dehydrated which could have the same result.
What is the new treat you've been feeding?