LittleTed?

Question
hello.
    I have a 3 by old hamster who is called little ted. When he was younger, he was FAT! but now i have noticed that he as lost quiet a bit of weight. I know that in some animals it is normal for them to lose weight as hey get old, but is strange because i can feel his fat which makes me thing hes not eating, but he has a HUGE stomach. It weird. I don't understand, id he ill or is he just getting old. If he is ill, how can i help him?

Answer
Hi Sophie

Sadly hamsters are very prone to tumors, especially after the age of about 2 years.  When they have these they drink a lot more, and they seem to lose body weight on their top half whereas their lower half gets quite round and they look a bit 'pear shaped'.  As the tumor grows it can put pressure on organs and on the spine and can make it uncomfortable for the hamster and difficult for them to walk.  In severe cases they can rupture and you see blood/pus coming from the rear.  Unfortunately tumors like this can't be treated as the hamster would never survive surgery and providing they are not showing any sign of pain - are still eating, coming out of their nest, and can get around, then it is OK to leave them.  If they start to struggle walking, look dull, soil their nests because they are too tired/ill to leave them, stop eating etc. or if there is any sign of a discharge from their rear then they need to see a vet.

Another thing that can cause the lower half of a hamster to swell is if they have enlarged kidneys.  I had a hamster who grew huge but he was OK until his kidneys got so big his quality of life was affected.  Again, unfortunately there is little that can be done in these cases, but the important thing is to make sure the hamster isn't in any pain.

Regarding Little Ted, it could well be that due to his age he has a tumor.  The key thing is to check his teeth to make sure they aren't overgrown and that he can eat properly, tempt him with his favourite foods and you might like to give him some baby food (I give mine the powdered creamy porridge oat variety mixed with a little water) as this gives added nutrients and is easy to eat.  Make sure you give his usual hamster mix too as too much soft food will make his teeth overgrow.  If he is displaying signs of illness - i.e. looks dull, hunched, not wanting to come out or can't walk properly etc. or any of the other signs I've mentioned above then it would be an idea to get a vet to check him out - they may advise euthanasia, although some will try antibiotics and pain relief.  If he doesn't seem bothered by his changing body shape and he still seems to be bright and eating then it really is a case of just monitoring him and letting him get on with his life, but be prepared to get him to a vet if anything changes.  It is also worth making sure his cage is easy for him to get around - climbing might be a problem - I usually turn my hamster's cages into single level ones and remove the platforms/ladders etc. so that all their food/water etc is close by and they don't have to go far for it.

If you are in any doubt about him, or are worried then please get him looked at by a vet.

I hope this helps you.

Regards
Sheila