My Hamster

Question
Hello, I woke up yesterday morning to my little buddy Spazz (1year) kind of freaking out. He seemed uncomfortable trying to eat, so I thought maybe he had his foot stuck in the ladder of his cage, so I took the ladder out, but he was still squirming around. I let him make is way into my hand and noticed a little bit of poop that seemed stuck in his butt. I noticed his water bottle (I just bought) wasnt giving off much water. I took the old one and put it back in, and he was drinking fine. Hes eating fine as well/. I changed his bedding and everything in his cage, and cleaned everything. Today, he seems to be doing the same thing. I woke up and chekced and the poop or whatever was gone, now tonight, its back. I read a lot about wettail, and realized maybe its not it. I called a vet and explained everything and they said they same and to feed him carrots or lettuce so I did. Theres no diahrea around the cage, and his poop appears as normal as it ever was. His eyes are all red (eyelids) and I dont knwo what to do.. Could he just be constipated?! Is he going to be oka?! Your help would be appreciated!


Answer
Sarah, you said he was freaking out and uncomfortable trying to eat, but is eating fine now.  Have you checked his mouth to make sure there is nothing stuck in his teeth or pouches or that his teeth have not overgrown. Sometimes their teeth can growth right up into their sinuses or down through their bottom lip.  If this is not the case, maybe he wasen't getting enough water for a few days and just needs a few days to get enough fluids back into him to regulate his stools again.  If he went without much water for a couple of days, his bowels could have dried out and he could be constipated for a few days.  If so, this should straighten out.  The red eyes are something else.  Have you always used the same bedding in his cage or have you changed it?  Is he sneezing or has a runny nose? Wood based beddings can cause allergies and upper respiratory problems.  Paper based beddings are better.  Let's just hope he returns to normal in a day or two.  As long as he is eating and drinking you probably don't need to worry.  If he stops either, take him to a Vet ASAP.