My hamster is lethargic, making weird noises, and heart racing. Help!

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.

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 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.

Thanks for reaching out about your hamster. Vocalization during sleeping could be a sign of respiratory disease that could be causing difficulty berthing. Monitor appetite and water intake, but a veterinary visit is recommended. Hamsters ask slightly prone to heart disease also, which can cause respiratory problems. Supplying supplemental heat might help. Good luck.

It sounds like Bernie is under a great deal of distress. Any sort of respiratory or cardiac episode should be treated as an emergency, meaning that you should seek out veterinary emergency care right away. Find the nearest hospital that will see hamsters and take him in tonight.

Thanks for reaching out about Ted. He should be taken to the veterinarian immediately, even if that means an emergency hospital. If not moving this is very serious. Try to offer water via a syringe but be careful to avoids aspiration. Providing heat support int he 80 range could give some aid. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Biscuit. By the description, he might have had a seizure or cardiac event. Dilated cardiomyopathy is relatively common in hamsters. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and listen to the heart for any arrhythmia or murmur. Not all heart disease is detectable via a stethoscope, therefore radiographs might be recommended to visualize heart size. This is not curable but could be managed with medications if diagnosed. Good luck.