hamster may be ill

Question
Well our hamster ham ham had been having soft brownish poops and sometimes a little messier, smearing into the bedding, I thought that was a little odd, but not too unusual.  We just decreased the amount of yogurt drop treats to one instead of two.  That didn't seem to make any change.  Then about 4 days(Thurs)ago, we bought some new treats, pumpkin and almond seeds.  He loves them.  The next day(FRi), his poops got harder lots fewer and no soft ones at all.  So that night we gave him some fresh foods, grapes and carrots(one grape and small amount of carrots cut up) which he loved too. the next night(Sat) he had the same amount of harder poops, no soft ones. so we gave him more grape and carrot. But his bottom had a bloody look to it. He also was a lot less active, hardly ran at all on his wheel that night. Then Sun night (last night) he still had a bloody looking bottom and did have some softer poops, but was again not his usual active self, he even fell asleep in his ball ( I had thought this would kinda force him to be somewhat active.) He ran around for a little while then stopped and curled up and went to sleep.  So I have been checking on him more today and Sunday to see how he is and he seems ok, but I am still worried that the bloody bottom is serious.  I have called the vet, but would rather not have to spend 80 dollars or so  if he seems to be getting better, but Im afraid these guys are sensitive and can fall seriously ill and die quickly.  I don't want that to happen, my daughter would be so heartbroken, me too.  Any advice?  Can I try washing his bottom?  He is so tame and he would probably let me without getting too upset.  

Answer


       Deffinately wash the blood off his bottom, then try giving him two yogurt drops again. That might make it easier for him to pass his food. If he still has problems(to many hard poops), try giving him a little bit of apple juice.

Thanks for writing