abnormal Squeaking behaviour

Question
Hi, thanks for taking the time to read this,
I have had my Syrian hamster (Eric) for nearly three years now, Eric and i are very good mates!
He has a large metal cage,with tubes and tunnels leading from different layers, quite a tall cage.
Recently the flat has been pretty cold, & i was worried about him going into hibernation. so gave him some extra bedding. this evening though, i heard him squeaking...thought 'aww, little man's awake'...but i has been continious...and not at all like his usual squeak, it's almost as though he is just squeaking everythime he breathes...i was really worried that he had a cold. so i have given him some more bedding and moved him a little closer to the heater. he is still very active, still drinking, collecting food, perhaps cleaning his back a little more than usual...
i just dont get whats wrong with him, do you think i should i be worried, or has he just learnt how to talk?

Answer
Dear Hannah,
thank you for your question.
This sounds very much like a respiratory problem and a vet should have a look at your hamster. If it really is a respiratory infection, the hamster will probably need antibiotics - with rodents, a cold doesn't just go away, it's a serious illness for them.
I hope I was of some help to you
Jennifer