Enlarged stomach on Black Bear Hamster

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
We noticed that our Black Bear, Mandy, stomach seemed very large. I took her to two pet stores and a vet. the vet did not examine her, but said if she is eating and drinking to keep an eye on her. I think she is VERY sick and do not want her in pain. She has gotten bigger since Friday. Should I have her put to sleep. My three children are very sad, as well as me. She is very sweet. Any suggestions?
ANSWER: Hi Karen,

    How old is she? How are her eating and drinking habits? Is there feces in her cage? How active has she been? Is she making any squeaking or little squealing sounds?


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for getting back to me. She is only four months old. She is still eating and drinking. Sleeping a lot, even at night. She is NOT making any squeaking sounds. I was holding her last night. She appears to be getting bigger to me and she is breathing VERY heavy. How long do I wait to bring her to a vet?
Thank you,
Karen

Answer
Hello again Karen,

    Is there any chance she could be pregnant? If you have gotten her recently from a pet store (like within the last week to a week and a half), there is a chance she could be. Generally a female will poof out (look swollen around the middle) about 10 days into her pregnancy and 6-7 days after that, she will give birth (which would be by this weekend if she is). Also if she is pregnant, she will tend to breath heavy.
    If there is no chance of her being pregnant, then I would suggest taking her to the vet and have them examine her because something is not right (she may possibly have tumors). I do not feel that she is in any pain, if she were, she would be making some kind of noises frequently.
    If you have anymore questions, please write again.

Thank you for writing and if you would, let me know what the vet says, if you take her or if she does have babies.