my roborovski

Question
i have recently noticed that my roborovski has started to fall asleep in random places in his cage, his breathing also seems quite heavy, like he is taking deep breaths. the other night i picked him up and i swear he died in my hand! he went totally limp, with eyes shut and looked like he stopped breathing. i lay him back down thinking that was it, then noticed his eyes flicker slightly. i called his name and stroked him and he suddenly came back to life and started dashing around. this has totally freaked me out, i don't know what to think. is this maybe a defence mechanism or do you think he could have a heart problem?

Answer
Hi Fiona

Sorry to hear your hamster isn't too well at the moment.  How old is your hamster?  This type of behaviour is not normal and as you suggested, it could be his heart in which case heart disease would also affect your hamster's breathing.  A hamster with a heart problem can 'faint' .  Is his underside the usual colour or is there a bluish tinge to it?  Heart problems usually arise in hamsters over 18 months, however, I had a Syrian once who was born with a heart problem.

I would advise you getting him to a vet as soon as possible to get a firm diagnosis - unfortunately with heart disease/problems there is not a lot that can be done. You could however remove his wheel from his cage so that he doesn't over exercise and make sure everything is to hand - i.e. move him to a single level cage so that he doesn't have to exert himself.  I would also minimise handling him at the moment in case this is stressing him (whilst hamsters are fine being handled normally, when they are ill it can sometimes stress them).

Your vet should be able to confirm the situation and prescribe any drugs if he feels they will help.  In cases like this, there is sometimes a secondary issue, which can be treated, however, I'm afraid that if you find it is heart related, then the best thing is to make sure your hamster is comfortable and not in any pain or your vet may suggest euthanasia.

I'm sorry I'm probably not giving you the answer you were hoping for. I hope that you find that this diagnosis is incorrect and that he can be treated.  I just think you shoud prepare yourself for the worst.

Do let me know how you get on.