Is my hamster sick?

Question
Hi my name is Natalie, and i have an amazing pet hamster named rippley. He would be with us for 2 years on September 25, 2007, but im worried he wont live much longer. I noticed just i believe yesterday that he is making a strange noise, when he is awake, im not sure if he makes it when he sleeps, but anyway i think the noise is because he is having trouble breathing, or something, its not a high-pitched noise or squeal or anything, but i cant really explain it. And i also noticed this more then a month ago, his fur is falling out, it can easily be pulled out, and also i think has an eye infection, each morning both if his eyes, are stuck together, with this crusty stuff, and i have to clean them and open them. The good part is that he is still eating and drinking though, but i haven't really seen him getting anymore excersise for the longest time. But, Im really worried and i dont know what to do, i wanted to go to the vet sooo badly buts its really expensive so we cant, please, please, help me-i love him so much but i think its the end of the road for him. =(

Answer
Hi Natalie

I'm afraid these are symptoms of old age.  Hamsters tend to lose some of their fur when they get older - however, if it is falling out, have a look at the skin.  Is it dry and flakey?  If so, it sounds as though he has mange which will need to be treated by a vet.

The noise he's making - is it snuffly or wheezing - which could indicate a lung/breathing problem?  Sometimes they chatter or making squeaking noises (can sound like a chicken clucking) which is normal.  Have you changed anything in his environment? i.e. bedding?  Have you been spraying anything (like air fresheners, perfume etc.) near his cage?  Sometimes hamsters can become allergic to their bedding and they also react to perfumes being sprayed near them on in the same room.  When he breaths, does it look as though he is straining himself?  If so, or if he is having to lie on his side or another position to breath, then he needs to see a vet.

Regarding his eye - this is called 'sticky eye'.  Most hamsters get this - get some warm water and gently wash the area.  It is important he opens his eyes daily - if they get sealed shut, pus will build up behind his eye lids.

When hamsters get to around 2 they do start to slow down a bit and want to sleep a lot more.  This is normal.  

You could start feeding him human baby food - get the powdered variety (porridge is the favorite).  Mix a small amount with water - let him have this daily for a week, then once a week thereafter - this will give him loads of extra nutrients.  Keep an eye on his teeth length to make sure they are the same length and that they are not growing lopsided as this does sometimes happen in older hamsters and stops them from eating properly.

Regarding the mange - I'm afraid I don't know of a treatment for this, other than the one that a  vet can prescribe.  Perhaps you could ring round and see if you can find a cheaper vet, or one who will charge a fixed price.  Sometimes they are very helpful and understanding especially because it is crazy charging so much for such a small animal.

Good luck with this - hope you get on OK.

Regards