Why did my hamster suddenly get fat? Is it serious?

Thanks for reaching out about Odin and including photos. This does not appear to be due to being overweight, as that would likely be symmetrical. An internal mass is likely, and could involve a kidney, liver, intestines or other organ. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Monitor appetite, urination and defecation. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Margo and including pictures. The distention of the abdominal cavity is not a normal process. Abdominal size increases can be caused by fluid build up called ascites (liver, renal, heart diseases) or an organ enlargement. Kidney enlargement due to polycystic renal disease or cancer is not unusual in hamsters. A veterinary visit is recommended for diagnosis and treatment, quality of life can be improved. Good luck.

I would cut back the amount of hamster food and treats you offer him. If you feed him fruit or fruit based treats, I would cut this back as well. Finally I would increase his exercise. You may try to get a ball and let him run around the house in the ball a few times per day. You can also give him a wheel if he doesn’t already have one. I hope this helps!

Hamsters that become extremely lethargic unfortunately rarely survive, it could be a bloat or a gastrointestinal infection, it could also be due to a tumor, it's hard to say, you need to take him to the vet urgently.

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.

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.

Yes obesity can be quite dangerous as can predispose to diabetes, joint and mobility problems, respiratory problems and hypertension. Most commonly adult Syrian hamsters weight in between 140 and 180 grams. I would recommend to try to avoid as much as possible fatty seeds like sunflower ones. Typically a Syrian only requires about a tablespoon of food per day, plus a supplement or fruits and vegetables. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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.