My hamster has a swollen mouth and won't eat. What should I do?

She may have an infection in a tooth, jaw or mouth. If she will allow, check her cheek pouches for impaction. Hamsters will sometimes hoard food for so long that it will actually begin to rot in the mouth causing inflammation and infection. You can apply gentle pressure to get her to empty her pouches. They may need to be flushed with an antiseptic solution and she may need antibiotics or pain medication. Unfortunately, these medications must be dispensed by a veterinarian. A physical exam will be required in most instances before antibiotics or other prescription medications can be dispensed.

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.

It sounds like you have done all the home treatment you can do. Since it has not worked your only option at this point is to get her to a vet for an exam. She probably needs an antibiotic ointment for the eye to get this to clear up. Best wishes!

Thanks for reaching out about Mango and including a photo. With the picture, eyes appear closed, likely due to illness. A swollen cheek can be due to food but also a possible infection. A veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

I can't really see properly as the pictures are very blurry but it is likely to be his cheek pouch that is protruding outside, you will have to take him to the vet ASAP, the pouch will need to either been sutured back inside or removed surgically.

Poor Cookie! The tea has hopefully helped but you need to get him to a vet asap as most pressingly it looks like one of his teeth has overgrown so much it has come out of the cheek-what you say looks like a horn. I cant be 100% as the photos are blurry but it certainly looks likely. This could be effecting the eye also, but regardless the vet can check the eyes at the same time.

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.