ref my hampsters illness

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi,
I sent a message about more poor hampster. The responder said it was outside their expertise. I hope because of the subject matter she didn't think it was a crank message.  I really need to know what could possible be wrong with him.  I can't afford to take him to a vet right now, just got over my cat's $400 vet bill. I'm really hoping someone here can at least give me some insight.

I was cleaning out his cage and when I picked him up I noticed his poor little penis was hanging out about 2 inches and half way down it was swollen round about the size of a marble.  Since then, the swelling has increased, and where is was very red at first, it went to almost a blue.  Today, I checked on him and its almost black/bruised looking.  I had some medicine in a siringe that I had given to my cat with his uti that stopped the pain during urination.  I gave it to the hampster (he lapped it up) hoping if he was in pain it would help some.  
I have had many hampsters in the past and have never seen this happen before.  Please, someone run it by your expects, I would really like an educated response, instead of the one that I previously got.

Thank you,
tazzzzmom@hotmail.com
Answer -
Hi There!

It may be Rectal Prolapse.It may look like it's coming from the penis,but it may actually coming from the rectum.

A hamster may suffer from a rectal prolapse where the intestine is pushed through the anus to the outside of the body. If the intestine is not damaged a vet may be able to manipulate the intestine back inside the body. However, if the intestine is damaged this may not be possible.

Often it is diarrohea or constipation that is the cause of the excessive straining that has caused the rectal prolapse and if this continues the rectal prolapse may recur.

It could also be tumors,cancer or abscess.

Tumours and Cancers usually occur in older hamsters and are more common in females than in males.

Internal tumours such as those involving internal organs may be difficult to treat but many external tumours can be successfully surgically removed.

A hamster suffering from cancer may develop a hard lump which can increase in size quite quickly. It is often difficult to distinguish between a tumour and an abscess. A tumour may be accompanied by fur loss, lethargy, poor condition or wasting but not always. On discovery of any lump veterinary advice should be sought immediately as early diagnosis increases the chances of success of surgical removal of tumours.

Because of their small size there is a risk from the anaesthetic required to carry out surgery but many elderly hamsters have succesfully undergone surgery of this kind.

She does need to see a veterinarian, so maybe you could make a deal seeing how you are low on money.Each month or week you can pay your veterinarian back little mounts of money,like $10,until you are all paid off.

It is very important that you take your little hamster to seek professional veterinarian care immediately! There is definetly a serious illness in your hamster that properly needs to be treated!Please do not medicate her on your own,for as the dosage and strenght for a cat is much higher than one for a hamster,this can cause more damage.This could be many thigs that need to be treated properly.

I hope this has been helpful and I wish you the best of luck!Please keep me posted!
Nicole


Hi Nicole,
Thanks for you insight.  I took a really good look, and its diffently not coming from his rectum...and I noticed this time what looks like pus ozzing..I'm just gone keep my fingers crosses that I can get him in to the vet on friday when i'm off.

Thanks again!

Answer
Hi There!

This does sound very serious.If you wait until friday,your hamster could die.Seeing how you don't have time to really what for a veterinarian,I would HIGHLY suggest at least dropping you hamster off at the veterianrian's office and tell the vet when you'll be back to pick him up.You can probably pick your hamster up when you get home from work.This does sound very serious,so remember it is very serious to take him to the vet immediately and pick him up he next day.Your vet will probably be able to hold your hamster in his office over night.Also remember that your hamster could die without immediate veterinary care.

I hope this has been helpful and I wish you the best of luck!Please keep me posted!
Nicole