gaging

Question
QUESTION: my dwarf hamster has been gagging for 24 hours now her heart and brething rates are normal but it lookslike she is trying to throw up

ANSWER: Hi Nicholas

Thanks for your question.  I'm sorry to hear that your hamster isn't well. How is she today?

You haven't said how old she is.  The only time I've seen this is with old hamsters, or those with severe respiratory problems in that they are almost gasping for air.

If she is young, whereabouts is her cage situated?  Is it in a dry, warm area of the house?  Respiratory problems can come from being in damp areas, or if the bedding is damp, or if there is the presence of any fungal spores.  They can accumulate on uneaten food, the dirty corner of the cage, or any damp area.  If a hamster breathes them in they can become very sick and do need veterinary attention.

Elderly hamsters can develop respiratory problems with infections, or tumors that affect their lungs.

If it isn't her breathing as such, it could be that some food is stuck in her pouch or mouth that is causing this behaviour, but as you'll appreciate it is difficult for me to know what is causing this without seeing her.

If she has deteriorated or there is no improvement then I would suggest that you get her to a vet if you can.  It would be worth phoning a few to see if one has a small animal specialist there.  Otherwise, some of the larger pet shops have experts on hand to answer questions.  

If you want to get back to me with some more information, I'll see if I can shed any more light on this.

I hope she is OK.

Regards
Sheila

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

QUESTION: Thanks Sheila
Selly will be 1 yr old in april, her bedding is pretty clean, cedar, and the house is pretty warm, we have a space heater going by her cage to help keep her warm, she is pretty weak, we are trying to give her nutrient paste and water once and a while, Nicholas

Answer
Hi Nicholas

I was really sorry to hear about Selly. It is very sad that she died so young.  Sometimes it is difficult to know what is wrong with a hamster when they fall ill - especially as they deteriorate so rapidly and by the time they show signs of ill health it is too late to turn things around.  

It is clear that she was well loved and that you did everything for her and it is a shame that she didn't make it.

Regards
Sheila


Hi Nicholas

Thanks for the update.  The only thing I can think of having read that she has cedar bedding is that perhaps this is causing a problem.  Cedar woodchip contains a volatile oil called thujone which can cause respiratory problems or skin irritation in hamsters.

I would advise that you remove this immediately from her cage.  If you give her cage a good clean, the just give her lots of paper bedding and see if this improves the situation.  Perhaps you could line her cage with kitchen paper then tear some up for her nest, or buy a packet of the shredded paper that is suitable for hamsters.  You will probably have to clean her out daily if necessary, but this way  you will be able to determine if this is the cause of her problem.

If so, hopefully if she is away from this for a week she might show some improvement.  If there is an improvement, then I would suggest that you find another type of bedding that is not made from cedar, pine or cypress as these all contain the oil.  There are other beddings available, and some woodchip is advertised as being safe for hamsters.

Regarding her food - I would suggest you buy a packet of powdered baby food, such as creamy porridge oats and mix a little of this with water and give her this daily for a few days in addition to her usual food.  Hamsters tend to love this, it is full of nutrients and is easy for them to eat/digest.

I hope you get on OK.

Regards
Sheila