hamster sick?

Question
My panda bear hamster has an enlarged abdomen and can no longer fit up his tubing.  His stomach looks as though he has a fat stick going sideways behind his ribs.  I looks like it's getting bigger.  It seemed to appear over night.  He also no longer runs on his wheel.  He has become very affectionate, not like he used to be.  He is around 1 1/2 or 2.  I can't remember.  I have never given him any bedding, but shavings and have always made sure he was fed and watered.  I am so upset and saddened at his recent state.  He's become such a member of our family.  Can you help me figure out what is wrong?  Skye

Answer
Hello Skye,
considering your guinea pig is very old, he's slowing down naturally but the bloat that he has is probably a gastrointestinal problem and I would give him a strawberry to see if that helps with the bloat and pushes anything in his body out. If the bloat doesn't go down then I would take your hamster to a vet for a checkup to se if there is antibiotics that can be given.
Good luck and keep me posted.