Poorly Hamster

[Babyboonie]

My 3 year old hamster, Harriet, has suddenly become very poorly overnight. I went to her this morning and she was breathing very fast and looks very sleepy. I have my worries that she is very old for a hammy and that this is possibly the beginning of the end. I don't know what to do for her, I've tried giving her a tiny piece of grape (her favourite) and she doesn't want to know, she's not drinking and she looks unhappy. As it is Easter weekend, my local vet isn't open and our emergency vet is miles away...has anyone got any suggestions on what I can do?

[Whisk_Luva]

Look on the internet see if ou can find her syptoms and how to help... but it might just be old age, she is 3..

[Christmas_Hamster]

I would just make her as comfortable as possible. She has a lived a long happy life. Three years is very old for a hamster. Just keep her happy and comfortable.

[Babyboonie]

Thank you for your replies. 3 years is old for a hammy and she is currently still hanging in there. I have made her as comfortable as possible but am concerned that she still isn't eating or drinking and is also still breathing rapidly. I did some research on the internet but didn't really find much useful information apart from that her symptoms show she may have suffered a stroke. At the moment I don't think she is going to make it through the night...but she is a little fighter, so I have my fingers crossed.

[Whisk_Luva]

If she has had a stroke I would drive those miles to the emergancy vet, it might be the only way she will survive.

[Christmas_Hamster]

May I ask what kind of shavings and bedding you are using? If it is pine, cedar, sawdust or some sort of scented shavings you really should get it out of her cage right away. These shavings can cause respiratory and skin problems. If you cannot get to a petstore right away toilet paper will work just fine.

If it is a stroke then you may want to take the trip to the emergency vet.