Accepted Answer

Hello,

If you see a noticeable difference in your hamster's activity level and a deviation from her normal routine, as you explained: not running in her wheel during the night, then, yes, a vet visit is required, to find the problem. I'm glad to hear that she's eating and drinking normally, but if the cage is beginning to smell faster than it used to, she may be urinating and/or defecating more often and/or her urine has a more pungent odor, due to a urinary tract infection. Also, her urine may be causing Aspergillis fungus to grow on the bedding, which is very dangerous to her health and can cause lethargy, among other illnesses.

http://hamsterific.com/IllnessGuide.cfm#Aspergillis

Clean the cage more often, if it's smelling more quickly, to ensure that she has fresh bedding at all times and this fungus has no time to grow. Also, make sure that the bedding you're using is the most appropriate and safest, as some bedding is dangerous for hamsters. You can read more about types of bedding, here:

http://hamsterific.com/BeddingGuide.cfm

I hope you're able to bring your hamster to a vet who is experienced in treating 'exotics' or 'pocket pets', and she is feeling more energetic once she's been diagnosed and then, treated.

Cher

Expert:	Jessesmom
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	5/1/2009

Pet Caregiver 40+ yrs

Pet Caregiver over 40 yrs. Specialist in pet behavior and health concerns.