Hamster sick: eyes, legs, not eating after new bedding. What to do?

Chewie sounds very sick, and I am so sorry that this is happening. From what you are describing, she needs to see a veterinarian immediately. She can then be evaluated to see if there are any possible treatments for her, and if there are not, they can assist with euthanasia if that is needed or desired by you to ease her suffering. 18 months is an older age for a hamster, so that may be related to why she is getting sick. The material around her nose may be making it hard for her to breathe as well - if she tolerates it, you can clean the material off with a warm, wet cloth, but be careful so that she doesn't panic or struggle when you do it since she is already having a hard time breathing. The veterinarian can also clean this off for you as well. I am so sorry again - it is never easy to have a pet get sick.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question your hamster and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. This is a medical emergency, and you absolutely have to take him into a vet immediately. This is known as proptosis, and it is is extremely painful. This will be why he's not eating. You cannot leave him in pain and leaving this untreated can lead to vision loss. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could certainly be a sign of sickness. Also, I would be concerned that the other hamster could have died secondary to something infectious and contagious and perhaps Sunflower could be affected by it. I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for any possible issue so that it can be addressed on time. Best of luck!

This sounds like Peanut may be very ill or in distress. I would bring her to your vet as soon as possible. Until you can get to a vet, keeping her in a quiet, warm, darkened area with plenty of food and water may help her to relax enough to settle some.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. There could be many possible causes of these symptoms. I worry about a systemic infection or illness. I would recommend taking Dave in to be seen by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

She may be painful and dehydrated and undernourished. An immediate check up at your local vet is required to have a better clinical picture and treat appropriately. Pain relief meds and eventually antibiotics (if there is any sign of infection) are possibly required. 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 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!