our hamster is breathing wierd

Question
Today when we checked on our pet hamster Fuzzy she appeared to be dead but then we saw her eyes move Now she is breathing deep breathes every minute or so  Is she hibernating or is something wrong with her?  Please help us we are very concerned!

Answer
Hi Andrea

I'm afraid your hamster sounds as though she is very sick.  Hamsters can suffer from respiratory problems - sometimes they are caused by fungal spores that have collected on uneaten food, urine, or damp conditions.  When the hamster breathes in the spores they become very sick and struggle to breathe.

She really needs to see a vet urgently.  Have you got any other hamsters?  If so, are they OK?  

Hope everything works out OK.

Regards