Injured/Ill Hamster. Not sure, need help.

[KizLaN]

I have a young Black Bear Hamster. Just about 5 or 6 months old. He absolutely loves his wheel, so I never thought to take it away a night ago when he wouldn't rest through the day and just continued running. I awoke this morning and went to check on him to find him completely limp and barely breathing. He seemed to be sleeping so I replaced him and covered his bedding on him slightly and went about my own things. As of now I've had him out of the tank for a while watching him and holding him. He is still completely limp. His eyes seem to be rolling back in his head, I can't really tell. and every few seconds his body seems to sort of heave as he takes a I breath. (I would suppose, since he isn't dead.) He hasn't left any trace of illness or injury prior, or in his droppings. I tried to give him a little bit of water through a medicine dropper but he didn't seem to really respond. Unfortunately where I live there is only one or two Vet. offices and they aren't open on Sundays. Anyone have a clue as to what's going on and what I can do to comfort him?

[sweetmommie]

I wish I could be of some help, but unfortunatly I dont really know to much about hamsters as far as illness go. Sadly enough, We just lost our hamster yesterday morning, and not to put any fear into you, but that is basically the same thing my hamster did right before he died. He didnt show any signs of illness or injury either, just laid there limp, and when he would get up he would shake horribly. This was just my expierence with my hamster, there may be a number of other causes for your hamster to be acting this way. Hopefully there will be someone here that can be of further assitance to you, and tell you ways of comforting him, if it is just an illness. If this is his final days, just try to spend as much time as you can with your Hammie, and show him you love him, that is alot of comfort to a hammie! Good Luck and please let us know How your hammie is doing.

[KizLaN]

Sadly enough, within maybe half an hour of my initial post the little guy passed away. So, I guess it goes a mystery. Thanks for your support though.

[Halogengirlie]

I don't have any answers either.. but animals like hamsters and mice are tyically prey in the wild. And because they are sought as food, they have a defense mechanism where they will hide the symptoms of illnesses until the last moment.

This is probably why your hamster seemed just fine until just a few hours before he passed away.

I'm sorry for your loss! :(

[sweetmommie]

I am so sorry to here about the loss of your hammie. As I said in my first reply, We just lost our Hammie yesterday morning, after having him for 4 yrs, so I know the loss can be very heart-breaking. I know for my children and I it was a great loss losing our's. Some people really dont care about the loss of such animals like hamsters,or gerbils, anything in that nature, but in my eyes it is a living creature and deserves lots of love, attention and affection, and that is exactly what we had given our hammie. So at least I know that when he passes yesterday, he passed knowing that we loved him and Will never forget him, as I am sure your Hammie knew the same. Take Care.

[Zouave]

I don't have any answers either.. but animals like hamsters and mice are tyically prey in the wild. And because they are sought as food, they have a defense mechanism where they will hide the symptoms of illnesses until the last moment.

Very true.

I once had one die, Princess, my favorite, all of a sudden. One moment she was frisky, a minute later gasping for breath, and three minutes after that dead. Must have been a stroke. She was 2.5 years old.

So sorry for your loss. :(