dead hamster

Question
Hi, I got a hamster a little less than two years ago for Christmas and it is now
September. she looks different, has a hard time moving, wobbles, can't fully
open her eyes, and cannot control her peeing.  We expect her to die by the
end of the day, and i just want to know what's wrong with her.  My mom is a
nurse and she said she thinks that it died from Urinary Tract Infection.  Also it
appears that her left eye has gone from black to white and may be coming
loose.  It is a black bear hamster if that helps.:(:(

Answer
Hi Beau

sorry to hear about your hamster.  Two - 2 1/2 is the average life expectancy for Syrians and around the age of 18 months - 2 years they can show signs of old age.  Wobbling, fur loss, and slowing down a bit is quite common.  However, hamsters are incredibly prone to getting tumors.  Often with these tumors you don't actually get any signs that they are present until they are causing problems.  The only signs you can get that there is a problem is that the hamster can start drinking a lot more and their body shape can change - often they appear to lose weight but also go a 'pear shape'.  It could be that your hamster has a tumor and it is now causing problems.  Once they get large they can put pressure on organs and the affect walking.  The wobbling and difficulty getting around could be down to this.  Also, the bladder problems could be related to a tumor, or some kind of infection.  Sadly, with this type of tumor there is little that can be done as surgery is not an option.  The important thing is to ensure that the hamster is not suffering.  In terms of a possible bladder/urinary infection, then this could be treated with antibiotics but you would need a vet to prescribe these.

It is important that hamsters open their eyes daily otherwise they can get pus to build up behind them.  They are also prone to getting eye infections.  If you can, gently wipe the eye area with a cloth soakd in cooled boiled water and see if she can open her eye and clean away any pus/discharge.  All hamsters have an eye discharge - they have glands that produce a fluid that keeps their eyes moist, however, when the hamster is ill or their immune system is compromised, they can produce more of this fluid and hence they develop eye problems.

Do you have a local vet that you could get her to?  If you don't know of any it would be worth phoning one or two and seeing if they have anyone who specialises in small animals, and also find out what their charges are.  Most vets offer a greatly reduced standard fee for hamsters,but it is always worth checking this so that you don't end up with a nasty surprise.  A vet would be able to examine her and confirm if she has a tumor.  If she does, and if you feel that her quality of life is poor, the vet may recommend euthanasia.  If you feel that her quality of life is OK, then they may offer pain relief.  If there is any sign of an infection - either eye or urinary, they might prescribe antibiotics and perhaps an eye ointment.

In the meantime, I suggest you make sure her cage is easy for her to get around.  I usually remove any tubes, platforms, etc. and even the wheel.  It is important that her food and water are close by so that she doesn't have to go far for either.

I hope this helps you and that you get on OK.

Regards
Sheila