My hamster has fluid retention. How do I keep him comfortable?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! So sorry to hear about poor Shaun. A swollen abdomen could be many things including fluid accumulation (ascites), organ enlargement, or some type of growth/tumor inside the abdomen. Liver/kidney problems could be causing this also. If he is weak, not eating, drinking, not happy, and you assess his quality of life as poor compared to what it used to be, it may be time to make a very tough decision. I have found over the years that this is the toughest thing that all of us face in life and none of us want to make an irreversible decision with our loved ones and pets. But sometimes it is more humane to assist them in passing. I leave it up to my clients to decide, it's an individual journey for all of us and I never pressure anyone unless death is imminent and I know the pet is suffering. I would maybe call your local vet or animal shelter and see what they can do to help you along and make this journey the best for you and Shaun. Again I'm so sorry and I truly understand the pain you are feeling as I have witnessed it from both side of these situations many times in my career. I wish you the best and know that all of us care in this profession each time our clients are faced with these decisions. God bless.

Swollen abdomen in a hamster is a sign for concern it could be variety of causes, in older hamster such as Belle the more common causes include: tumor in abdomen, blockage of the intestines, kidney failure, and congestive heart failure. I suggest to take Belle to a vet for examination to try and give you the underlying cause and also due to the possibility of her quality of life issue (eating , drinking, in pain etc). The vet may consider to put a small needle into the abdomen and see if they can drain any fluid off. Whether there is fluid from a tumor or from heart failure.

He should be examined by your veterinarian. If he has "wet tail" (proliferative ileitis), he will need treatment and supportive care. Keep his cage clean. Change bedding daily if necessary. Keep him warm and as stress free as possible. Discontinue feeding any treats, fruits or vegetables until he recovers.

Thanks for reaching out about Keystone. Wonder if he is having some continued respiratory problems such as exercise intolerance due to lung fibrosis, continued infection or heart disease. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Lucy and including photos. If she is lethargic and bloated she probably still needs to see a veterinarian to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Gas distention, abdominal fluid due liver or kidney problems need to be considered. Hopefully is not something serious and expensive. Continue to monitor food intake and defecation. Good luck.

If you feel his weight has changed quickly then I would be concerned that he could have something concerning going on such as fluid in the belly, or even a tumor. Of course there is always the chance that he is just overweight. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian. They can let you know if they have any concerns on what they find on physical exam. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Thanks for reaching out about Auggie. With intermittent blood in the urine and a swollen abdomen, uterine enlargement, (probably cancer) is likely. Hamsters are induced ovulators and are constantly in heat, therefore estrogen. High sustained levels of estrogen can lead to uterine neoplasia. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Most likely, she needs to be spayed. If not going forward with that, palliative medications for pain are recommended. Good luck.