hamsters

Question
QUESTION: my hamster is sick she is about 2 and 1/2. one night i had her out and then the next night i didnt think she was oging to make it. she has lived 2 nights since and her conditions are shaking and i dontknow if she is eating or drinking but she walks arround even thought she is week and is verry sleepy. please help me with my hamster.
jess

ANSWER: HI Jess,
Sorry to hear your hamster is not well.  I don't know much about hamsters as I specialize in dogs, but you really need to get her to a vet as soon as possible.  Most vets have payment plans, so if you can't afford to pay on the spot you should be able to make some arrangements.

In the meantime you should get some Rescue Remedy (Bach Flower remedy) from the health food store or pharmacy and get several drops into her mouth every half hour for the first few hours, then every couple of hours after that.  Continue this until you see a vet, and even afterwards.

Is it possible she has been poisoned?

These are my only suggestions at this stage Jess, and I hope they are somewhat useful.

Take care.
Silva.
www.roxysworld.com.au

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I dont know if she could have been poisened. we did get her new food but the first time i game it to her was 2 days before she became sick. she seems to be better now, she opens her eyes all the way and perks her ears up. she is still a little unstable but looks like she is better, she is going to the bathroom and eating apple and a some food. i dont know if it may have  been the food or what.


Answer
Jess - I am glad that she is feeling better today and has perked up.  It would still be a good idea to get some Rescue Remedy and give it to her (a few drops in her mouth a couple of times a day) until she is back to normal.
You can also brew up a cup of RoseHip Tea and put half a teaspoon full mixed into her food or water.  RoseHip tea is very good for cleansing the kidneys and liver and keeping her immune system healthy.  Add some daily.  Also, alfalfa is very healthy for them and packed full of great nutrients. I would still however make a time to see a vet if things do not improve - the sooner you seek help the easier things are to treat.

Vegetables and herbs that should NOT be fed to Hamsters are:
Kidney Beans (raw)
Onion
Potato (raw)
Potato tops
Rhubarb (raw)
Rhubarb leaves
Tomato leaves

I hope this helps.
Silva.