Is my 2-year-old hamster's weird noise due to age or infection?

I’m sorry to hear about this with your hamster. As you mentioned, 2 is quite old for a hamster so we have to take that into consideration. His increased vocalizations are likely due to discomfort, probably from his illness. I would recommend taking him back to your veterinarian for a recheck just to make sure nothing else is going on. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Two years old is considered "old age" for a hamster. These may be age related changes, but you would need to have him physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose and treat any infection or injury. The clicking while breathing is concerning as it could be a respiratory infection.

Thanks for reaching out about Lucy. If the sounds appear from the respiratory system, respiratory congestion is possible. This could be a primary pneumonia or congestion from heart, renal or liver disease. A veterinary visit is needed to diagnose and prescribe a treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Vasia and including photos. It is impossible for us to determine how long he will remain with you but if having breathing difficulties, a veterinary visit could prolong his quality of life. Respiratory infections or heart disease are possible manageable conditions. Good luck.

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thanks for reaching out about Hattie. The suggestion would be to have some diagnostic test performed, such as radiographs and blood work. Spondylosis or back problems are common in aging hamster, and could be managed by anti-inflammatory medications. Kidney problems, intestinal infections or parasites can also be investigated. Dental disease can reduce appetite. Uterine neoplasia is not uncommon in female hamsters. So a diagnosis is needed prior to recommending a treatment plan. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. Often this presentation is compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!