My hamster has a prolapse. Are there home remedies if I can't see a vet?

Thanks for reaching out about Evangeline. This is an emergency and needs to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Not only does the prolapse need to be treated but the cause determined. Intestinal infections, parasites, obstructions, urinary problems and more are possible. Try to keep the tissue clean and moist until the veterinary visit. Good luck.

Poor Kiwi. You can try some Vaseline or aquaphor on the area but I am afraid that she needs to be seen by a vet. It looks like the tissue could be becoming necrotic or becoming infection. This can cause serious illness. I would have her seen so that can try to replace the prolapse, treat the cause, and make sure she doesn't need any antibiotics. Unfortunately, there aren't any certain foods to help with this problem. I hope this helps!

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.

Wet tail, or Proliferative Ileitis, is an extremely serious gastrointestinal disease and Hamsters can die from it very quickly. it is caused by a bacterium called Lawsonia intracellularis and hamsters get infected when contaminated feces get on their food and they then ingest the fecally contaminated food. If the hamster is stressed it exacerbates the condition. Since this is an emergency you will need to have your hamster seen by a vet immediately. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medications and subcutaneous and oral fluids to combat dehydration. In addition to that you need to thoroughly sanitize his cage to prevent re-infection and make sure your hamster is kept clean and warm.

Poor baby! He probably needs some oral antibiotics but since cost is a concern, you can try treating at home. I would gently try to express any pus out of the ruptured area. I would do this the next few days until you are no longer getting any pus out. I would try to clean it with some mild soap and water after you squeeze it. If it is near his ears or eyes, be care to not get it in his ears or eyes. You can try putting some neosporin on the area twice a day as well. If possible, do not let him lick it. You can use a small piece of plastic and make a small cone collar to prevent this if needed. With these guys being so tiny, you will likely have to make your own temporary collar. I have attached a video of how to make one for a sugar glider which are similar in size. I hope this helps and you are able to get it to heal on its own. Just know that if he stops eating or it isn’t improving within a couple of days then it likely won’t heal without some oral antibiotics. Also if the abscess is near the mouth, it could be a tooth root abscess which will also need to be treated by a vet. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=67Zn5rsPW5Y

Thanks for reaching out about Hamsy and Shamcey? Abscesses usually require systemic antibiotics to cure, so a veterinary visit is needed. Trying to keep clean with a dilute betadyne will help. Monitor appetite and water intake. good luck.

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.