Why is my hamster's tummy swollen, hard, and she can't clean herself?

Swollen abdomen in a hamster is a sign for concern it could be variety of causes, in older hamster such as Belle the more common causes include: tumor in abdomen, blockage of the intestines, kidney failure, and congestive heart failure. I suggest to take Belle to a vet for examination to try and give you the underlying cause and also due to the possibility of her quality of life issue (eating , drinking, in pain etc). The vet may consider to put a small needle into the abdomen and see if they can drain any fluid off. Whether there is fluid from a tumor or from heart failure.

Thanks for reaching out about Tosha. There is the possibility that this is not a gastrointestinal issue, or an infection. Female hamsters can also have reproductive problems (uterine neoplasia, pyometras and more. Urinary problems can also cause similar clinical signs. Your local veterinarian should be contacted again, as diagnostic tests might need to be performed to achieve a diagnosis. Try not to give mineral oil or yogurt again, as this can cause serious gastrointestinal upset. Good luck.

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.

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.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to say what the lump is without seeing a photo of Poptart. Hamsters can get papillomas (warts) or cancerous masses as well as skin infections. While removal is likely to be one of the best options, you should try to keep the area as clean as possible and look out for any bleeding or ulceration of the growth. I hope this helps and that all is well!

This is most likely a tumor, which are common in hamsters. it's usually possible to remove such a tumor surgically but of course the risks of anesthesia in hamsters are quite high. price wise this could range between 300-500$.

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.