Answer

Thank you for getting back to me. To answer your question, yes, your hamster is sick. There are a few possibilities for what may be wrong. This could be a respiratory infection. A dental problem, cheek pouch condition, or an abscess could also be responsible. From your description, a respiratory infection - similar to a cold or the flu - seems most likely. These illnesses are more serious in hamsters than in people because they can rapidly lead to complications and death in hamsters.

The best thing you can do is make an appointment with a vet. That way, you'll get a definite diagnosis and proper treatment. To read more about colds and flu in hamsters, check these links:

http://www.hamsterific.com/IllnessGuide.cfm#Colds

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Park/5295/hamdis.html#comd

In the meantime, you can buy a jar of Vicks (at a drug store or discount store). Open the jar and set it where the vapors will go into the hamster cage. Be sure to put it where the hamster, children, and other pets can't get to it. You can also make a mixture of half milk, half water, and a little honey. Warm it a bit, and feed it to your hamster. If he won't drink it, you can put a little at a time into the side of his mouth through a syringe. Don't put it straight down his throat because it can be aspirated into the lungs that way. You could also feed vegetable (no onions) baby food in the same manner. If you have a vaporizer or nebulizer, you can use that in his room to make it easier for him to breathe. These are all supportive measures, and don't take the place of a visit to a vet. These links will take you to directories of vets who treat rats, and would also be good with hamsters:

http://www.rmca.org/Vets/index.php?action=list

http://www.ratfanclub.org/vetref.html

If you have more questions, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope your hamster will reach a full recovery.

Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	3/29/2009

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant