exssive drinking

Question
i have a Syrian hamster  who is about 2 and a half,  she is drinking a bottle of water in 4 days and peeing a lot,  she seems healthy otherwise apart from being slower and sleeping more, her back legs  have begun to stick out  but   she is happy enough, should i worry  and take her to the vets

Answer
Hi Julie

Thanks for your question.

The symptoms you describe are fairly typical with a hamster of this age.  Sadly hamsters are very prone to getting tumors when they about 2 or more years old.  Often then tumors are internal ones that can't really be detected.  The usual signs are in increase in water consumption.  As the tumor grows it often makes them go a strange 'pear shape' and some have difficulty walking.

They can also suffer kidney problems, that again can make them look a strange shape and can cause a dramatic increase in water consumption as you describe.

If there is some sort of infection, then this could be treated with antibiotics.  However if she is behaving normally and doesn't seem too bothered, then this could just be one of the above conditions.  It is normal for hamsters of this age to sleep a lot more.

Hamsters can also develop diabetes which causes a huge increase in water and peeing - their pee usually smells very sweet.  If you think it could be this, then make sure she doesn't have any sugary foods - such as treats, fruit #fresh or dried fruit in her dry mix# etc. You can supplement her diet with a combination of seeds: pumpkin, linseed, sesame and sunflower - these seeds help regulate sugar levels.  Hamsters enjoying eating this combination even if they aren't diabetic.

I would suggest you monitor her - make sure her home is easy for her to get around - that food and water are closeby.  If she has a wheel and isn't using it any more, it could be removed, along with any tubes/platforms if she is struggling to climb.  Keep a close watch to make sure there is no sign of blood or pus coming from her rear end. If you notice either then she does need to see a vet.  If they then diagnose an infection, they can treat with antibiotics and pain killers.  If this is a tumor that has ruptured then they are more likely to suggest euthanasia, I'm afraid.

The key thing is making sure she has quality of life and isn't in any pain.  All the while she comes out of her nest, is eating etc. then she should be fine to leave.  But if she starts to sit hunched, not wanting to be touched #they can get quite aggressive if they are in pain so be careful# or there are any discharges etc. then definitely get her seen as soon as possible.

I hope this helps you.

Regards
Sheila