My hamster ate a bead. What should I do if she swallowed it?

Hopefully Remi did not eat anything and the fact she is acting normally is a good sign, but if you would like to put your mind at rest, you could take her to the vet for an X-ray. Metal object can be seen clearly on radiographs. Good luck and please post again on the forum or request a consultation if you would like to discuss it any further.

I can't really see properly as the pictures are very blurry but it is likely to be his cheek pouch that is protruding outside, you will have to take him to the vet ASAP, the pouch will need to either been sutured back inside or removed surgically.

This is possible a vomiting episode which is always a concerning sign in hamsters. An immediate check up is required as severe gastrointestinal inflammation could be the cause of it and requires immediate treatment. 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 Mango and including a photo. With the picture, eyes appear closed, likely due to illness. A swollen cheek can be due to food but also a possible infection. A veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Hamlet and including a photo. If this is an everted cheek pouch, a veterinary visit is a necessity. He will likely be chewing on it and will become infected. It is understandable that anesthetic is a risk but return and suturing of the pouch is needed. Good luck.

She may have an infection in a tooth, jaw or mouth. If she will allow, check her cheek pouches for impaction. Hamsters will sometimes hoard food for so long that it will actually begin to rot in the mouth causing inflammation and infection. You can apply gentle pressure to get her to empty her pouches. They may need to be flushed with an antiseptic solution and she may need antibiotics or pain medication. Unfortunately, these medications must be dispensed by a veterinarian. A physical exam will be required in most instances before antibiotics or other prescription medications can be dispensed.

Thanks for reaching out about Tosha. There is the possibility that this is not a gastrointestinal issue, or an infection. Female hamsters can also have reproductive problems (uterine neoplasia, pyometras and more. Urinary problems can also cause similar clinical signs. Your local veterinarian should be contacted again, as diagnostic tests might need to be performed to achieve a diagnosis. Try not to give mineral oil or yogurt again, as this can cause serious gastrointestinal upset. Good luck.