breathing rapidly

Question
we have 2 dwarf hamsters.  one of them seems to breathe much faster than the other, almost twice as fast in fact.  she runs around and will play with the other hamster and eat and let herself be handled.  however, she is smaller than when we bought her as a baby in jan 06.  is she sick?  do we take her to a vet?  help....

robi

Answer
Hi Robi,

First, make sure you're using Aspen or Carefresh bedding.  Avoid Pine and Cedar, which cause respiratory infections and could explain the rapid breathing if you're using either bedding.

It concerns me that she is actually smaller now than she was when you got her.  I would definitely suggest that you take her to the vet for a diagnosis/treatment.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kelly