Why is my old hamster swollen, hunched, waddling, and sleeping constantly?

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.

It sounds like either a bloat or an internal tumor, in both cases it's very bad news for her as 'hamsters usually do not recover from these conditions. you need to take her to the vet in order to have it checked ASAP.

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.

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.

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.

At 3 years old, Buddy is very old for a hamster. Just as in other pets, old age brings the risk of conditions such as cancer or organ failure. Ideally, Buddy should be physically examined by your veterinarian. Aspirates can be done on the lumps to collect samples for pathology. If your veterinarian diagnoses a serious condition, you can discuss treatment, prognosis and quality of life concerns.

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.