My hamster has bloody stool, is constipated, and won't eat. What's wrong?

Hello there! I'm sorry to hear that Lily is not doing well. Bleeding from the rectal area can be caused by several issues. If you're sure the blood is coming from her rectum and not from her urethra or vagina, she may have an intestinal problem, like constipation or a parasite. It's also possible that she has a common hamster condition called wet tail, if she also has loose stools. Wet tail is severe diarrhea that is sometimes accompanied by bloody stools in certain severe cases, and is caused by a bacterial infection. It can be deadly, so acquiring treatment by a veterinarian is important to ensure survival. If the blood could be coming from the vaginal or urethral area, she could have a uterine or urinary tract infection that is causing the bleeding. These openings are very close to each other in female hamsters, so it can be easy to mistake one for the other. All of these conditions require the assistance of a veterinarian to get Lily better. If the bleeding is prolific of if Lily is also lethargic, she may need to be seen right away. There is an exotic veterinarian near you that can help: Animal and Exotic Medical Center 18962 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Lutz, FL 33548 (813) 269-5200 In the meantime, keep Lily warm and calm. There is not likely much that you can do for her at home safely aside from keeping her rectal area clean. Good luck, and I hope Lily gets well soon!

I can see that Kiwi has what appears to be a dilated anus. This can be associated with a rectal prolapse, when a portion of the rectum everts to the outside. Parasites, high fiber diets, and increased abdominal pressure can cause this. I recommend having Kiwi seen by a vet as soon as possible, as this condition is likely uncomfortable for Kiwi. In the meantime, I recommend making sure she has plenty of soft, moistened food and monitoring her for signs such as hunched posture and weight loss. I hope this helps and that all is well!

I can see that your hamster is hunched and her fur is raised. Her labored breathing is cause for concern. It can be caused by infections or masses, and requires veterinary attention right away. The blood you identified can be caused by bloody stool, or even a rectal prolapse, both of which are serious medical conditions. She should be seen by a vet as soon as possible, as she may require supportive care to be stabilized. I hope all is well!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to a gastrointestinal issue such as gastroenteritis, colitis, parasites, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

The wet bottom could be due to diarrhoea. These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver), which is a very concerning sign in hamsters. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics are likely to be needed. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do back home, as medications are required as soon as possible. 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.

With the history of acting normal, I would be an infection in her bladder is likely although a bleeding disorder is possible but rare. Antibiotic will generally clear up the infection quickly. Bladder infections are uncomfortable so I would recommend to get Olive seen by a vet quickly. The doctor will also check for any signs of bruising and rule out a bleeding issue. I hope Olive gets back to normal quickly!

Bloat is a relatively common condition in hamsters and it is usually fatal, it is caused due to a gastrointestinal infection. i strongly recommend taking him to the vet right away for euthanasia as he is suffering badly and is unfortunately beyond saving.