My old hamster has a swollen belly. Is he suffering? What should I do?

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• Answered By Rebeccah Wood

  Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

  Published on May 7th, 2018

  Hello there, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You must be doing something right if Merlin has been healthy until now, as 2.5 years is relatively old for a hamster. The dull coat and weight loss may simply be due to the normal aging process, but I do start worrying about health issues at this age, and you are right to be concerned about his enlarged abdomen. The dried feces at his rectal area that you mentioned also makes me think that Merlin might have soft stools, which can be an indicator of disease. There are certain viruses and bacterial infections that can cause these symptoms, so I do recommend that Merlin visit's a veterinarian for an examination and possibly some diagnostics to determine the cause. I don't like to use the C-word, however at Merlin's age, cancer must also be taken into consideration. Cancers of the bowel and other internal organs, while not common, are a possibility. In the meantime, keep Merlin well hydrated and fed with his usual pellets and fresh fruit and veg supplement. If he starts to act lethargic or the abdominal swelling gets worse, it should be treated as a medical emergency and I would get him to the vet ASAP. Good luck, and I sure do hope that Merlin recovers!

  

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