White Hamster - Breathing Issues

Question
We have 2 hamsters, 1 black/grey the other white/grey - dwarf hamsters I think.  The white/grey one recently started breathing where his/her sides move in and out very noticeably.  Other than that he/she eats, drinks and uses the wheel normally.  Any thoughts?

Answer
Hi Becky

First question - how old are these hamsters?  

There are a few things that can affect a hamster's breathing - one thing is a heart condition - but you would notice this whenever your hamster exercised in that the heart would beat much faster, also there is often a bluish tinge to a hamster suffering from this.  

Another condition is known as aspergillosis.  This is where fungal spores that have collected on mouldy food, or urine, or any damp condition (i.e. water bottle dripping etc) are released into the air and breathed in by a hamster.  It is a very serious condition, but I would have thought that your other hamster would be affected too.  

Another idea is that, depending on your hamster's age, is if it is age-related respiratory infection.  A symptom of this is much like the heart condition, in that the hamster would collapse after exercise.  This condition can also be caused by a tumor in the lung.  I've had a hamster with this before and they acted fairly normal, just wheezing a bit until the tumor grew too large and affected their breathing.  

Another thing that could be causing this problem is some sort of allergic reaction.  Have you changed anything lately? i.e. bedding/ wood chippings etc.  Some wood chippings have scent added to them (like Pine) to make them smell nicer to humans - but this is deadly for hamsters.  Have you sprayed any perfume or air freshener in the same room as the cage?

If something has changed in your hamster's environment, or the cage has been moved, then the only way is to try a process of elimination to work out what is causing the problem.  

If nothing has changed, then I would recommend you getting veterinary advice - I would suggest you take both hamsters so that the other one can be checked out too.  The vet will be able to confirm if it is heart related, or if there is a tumor and decide on the treatment accordingly.

Sorry I can't be more help - but sometimes it is very difficult to know exactly what is going on as there are several possible causes.  

Good luck with this - please let me know how you get on.

Regards