White discharge?

Question
Hello. Um, sorry to bother you with a question that has most likely been asked before, but what is that white discharge from my hamster? The pet store I got him from told me it was a boy, but I am now having my doubts because I read that females do this when in heat. The discharge is very white, and usually comes out with a dropping or two. It's only happened twice, yesterday and today, but it seems only when the poor thing is frightened. Can you please tell me?

Answer
Hi Kean

Does this white discharge have a pretty awful sweet smell?  If so, it could just be a discharge that they have to warn off predators/hamsters and they tend to produce it when they are scared.  I used to think they produced it to attract a mate as some of mine seemed to produce it every 4th day (a hamster cycle is 4 days), but I note that with my females they can produce this if they are a bit spooked so perhaps it is to deter others.

Whilst this might be perfectly normal for her, and when she calms down you might notice it less, how is she in herself?  Is she behaving normally? Is she eating well, playing etc? Does she look bright?  Something that can cause a discharge is an infection and this can be very painful and the hamster tends to sit hunched up not wanting to move.  In this case a vet needs to be consulted and antibiotics given.  However, if she is fine in herself, then there is probably nothing to worry about.  It would be worth trying to keep her calm - handle her as much as possible.  I find that most hamsters don't like walking on skin, but if they are on clothing they seem to calm down a lot faster.  Hopefully she will settle soon and not get frightened.

If you are in any doubt, then get a vet to check her out and put your mind at rest but hopefully this is normal and isn't a sign of any ill health.

I hope this helps.

Regards
Sheila