Why did my hamster suddenly stop moving and struggle to breathe?

It sounds as if your hamster is very sick. Usually when hamsters become so ill in such a short period of time there is not a good outcome. There could be several different things going on that have caused Comet to become ill so quickly. My best recommendation is to have Comet examined by a veterinarian to give him the best chance of recovery. I hope this helps. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for reaching out about Biskvit. Unfortunately, it does not appear that he is alive. During hibernation, they are still rousable but lethargic, still breathe. It is recommended that you visit a veterinarian to confirm death. sorry.

I am sorry to hear about Chippy. These are concerning signs and I would recommend getting Chippy into the vet as soon as possible. We would be concerned depending on his age about a respiratory infection or a heart issue. He may be able to be treated with antibiotics or other medication if an infection is the cause. Ensure he is in a draft free room with no air pollutants such as smoke, candles, air fresheners and has very clean cage with minimal dust (carefresh style paper shavings are the best) which can irritate the respiratory tract and get him to the vet right away.

Sorry about your hamsters. Heat stroke would be a possibility as hamsters with heavy coats are unable to cope with excessive heat, especially if over 80 F. A veterinary visit could perform a necropsy in an attempt to determine cause of death. Sorry again.

I’m so sorry that Cookie isn’t doing well. It sounds like he may be sick. There are several things that could be going on like an infection, cancer and more. It is hard to say whether he is dying without doin an exam on him. It does worry me that he is cold though. If you are able to take her to the vet then I would. The vet will be able to tel Lyon what is wrong and whether he can be helped with some medicine. I hope this helps!

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.