Urgent!

Question
First of all I must have been mistaken with the name of the hamster I have, I thought it was Syberian, but it must be Syrian. I have a grey and white Syrian Dwarf hamster and I noticed a few days ago that she suddenly dropped in weight. Then last night I came home to find her hidding in an unusual corner of her tank. Uppon picking her up I noticed that she was but skeleton and fur with very swollen pouches (where she would carry food). She then proceeded to bite me,wouldnt let go, and drew a little blood. I put her back and immediately disinfected my finger and hands with soap and rubbing alcohol. When I returned I watched her as she attempted walk. It is as if she has stiffened legs or is semi-paralyzed. She drags herself then falls on her back or side. She is obviously weak and probably suffering. I can see that the end is near, but my main concern now is, what is this desease? And is it transmitable to a human? I am really worried.  

Answer
Hi Yvonne,

Honestly, your hamster's problem could be any number of things, from an impacted cheek pouch to some kind of disease.  The best advice I can give you is to immediately seek veterinary care.  A vet is the only one who can properly diagnose and treat your hamster.

(It sounds as if you have a Siberian dwarf hamster, actually.  Those are the small grey (or tan) and white hamsters.  Syrians are the larger, more commonly kept hamsters.)

Good luck, and I hope everything works out.

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

Kelly