I have a female Black Bear hamster that has a hard, very big stomach. I first noticed it about three weeks ago. I noticed that she is drinking more than usual, but she is still eating the same amount of food she usually eats. I know for sure that she is not pregnant because she is the only hamster that I have and she is one and a half years old (I've had her since she was a baby). I don't feel lumps in her stomach, it is just really big and hard. Does anyone know what this might be? I am going to call the vet on Monday, but I thought that maybe someone here had the same thing happen to them and they could tell me what it was! Let me know what you think!!

Laura

how's the poop? Is it the same, equal/usual amount? Glad you decided to call the vet, I would think it's either a tumour or intestinal blockage. It's been along time since I've had Gerbils.

I haven't really noticed the poop because she tends to bury it in the litter, so I am not sure about that. If it is a tumor, how long can they generally live with a tumer in their stomach? I'm guessing it is not long, and she has already been like this for 3 weeks:(

Since she's still eating, she's probably still pooping so it may not be a digestive problem (although it can't be ruled out). Unfortunately, cancers are super common in small mammals. In fact, it's pretty much guaranteed if they live to an old age. I've had tumors removed from rabbits, guinea pigs, and a hedgehog. I don't know how easy it would be to operate on a hamster or if you can find a vet who would do it. It depends on where the tumor is and what organs and areas might be involved. If removed, the hamster could live for a while longer. Hamsters only live a few years as it is so a while may not be more than half a year. Even with surgery, the hamster could live many months depending on where the growth is. It might be "better" if the problem is a blockage except those are extremely hard to fix too. GI stasis or blockages normally result in not eating though. Everything I've said is just a guess. It's a vet that you need to consult. Let us know what the vet says. It's a crime that our tiny little animals have such short lives.

Well, I called the vet and although I wasn't able to bring her in because it would have been VERY expensive, they did give me a generic antibiotic for her just in case. I don't know that the medicine is helping much though. He stomach isn't hard anymore but it is still big. She is still eating and drinking though. I have even seen her run on her wheel for a few minutes every now and then. One new thing that just happened last night was that her eye was matted shut. It was also matted shut this morning when I saw her. Does anyone know why this might be happening now? Do you think it is related to her stomach issue? Of course new symptoms come up over the weekend when the vet is closed :(

Thanks in advance,
Laura

I forgot to mention that I did wipe the matted eye with warm water on a cloth until it opened, but is there anything else I should do? It just doesn't seem to want to stay open!

Thanks

It sounds like she has conjunctivitis in the eye which just means that it's infected. Can the vet get you some antibiotic eye drops (maybe Tobramycin)? It may not improve without antibiotic eye drops. It sounds like it's a separate issue although some respiratory infections can also cause eye infections. We're assuming her enlarged abdomen is a digestive issue or tumor but it could be something else. My vet will see "pocket pets" for a reduced fee. How much money would your vet want to examine your hamster?

Ok I will call the vet and see if I can get those drops. Tonight her eye was fine when she woke up, so we will see what happens. My vet wanted $55 just to look at her (no x-rays or anything fancy), and I just don't have that kind of money to spend!

I gotta say, I've got one very good and very nice vet. He's actually known to be one of the more expensive ones in the area. I'd been taking the family pets to him since I was 18 or so. In my 30's I had gotten laid off and of course all the health issues were between checks. He billed me ( with the sign saying no billing). And he discounted ALOT of exams/tests/meds because I was single and all my animals were rescues. One time I ended up with his partner, saw the bill..wow...but by the time I got to the front desk, it was a lesser amount. Now I'm married and all is set so I'm back to 'regular' prices <_< , but I figure he's just discounting somebody else that needs the break. :)
Can you find another vet that's willing to take a look at a lesser price?

I'm not sure if any vets in my area would see her for a small price, because I have tried before with my other hamsters as well as my rabbit. But maybe I will call around again on Monday.

My hamsters eye seems to fine now, no "eye crust" , and her eye hasn't been matted shut since yesterday morning, so I don't know what to think about that. Could it have been that she just irritated her eye and now it is back to normal?

Also, her stomach is not getting any bigger. It is still soft and has gone down in size since starting the meds, so maybe they are helping. She seems to be awake more at night and is still eating and drinking. I guess we will just see how it goes!!

Thanks,
Laura

I guess the eye problem could have been a temporary irritation although those don't normal cause the eye to glue shut. It sounds like she's getting better so that's good news!