Disposable Pets?

[archmage45]

For about a month now one of my hamsters has been sick. She has some sort of respiratory problem. I say "some sort" because no one can figure out what is wrong with her. We have taken her to two vets who both have experience with "exotics" who have looked at her, checked her, poked her, and prescribed antibiotics for her. The results of these

Comments

[boltoner]

It sucks that people don't spend money taking their hamsters to the vets. I've never been able to find a vet that knows anything about them. I hope your little guy gets well soon. x

[archmage45]

Thank you... There needs to be more training for vets for the little fuzz-butts.

Most people don't take care of their hamsters

[tjsvixen]

It is sad really.

Your hamster could have some sort of allergies but what does that do you do to stop it?

I have heard of hamsters allergic to new pets that come into the house. Even to their food if they had changed it at all. Even treats can cause upper respitory style symptoms.

I can not begin to tell you what is wrong just that it could be anything from allergic reaction to tumors in the lungs. Unfortunately, not many vets are willing to go that extra mile.
Switch back to the bedding that your hamster had before he got sick if it was something other than Carefresh. (if it was pine switch to Aspen.)
Go back to basic foods, block foods and that is all the advice I have.
Unfortunately I am sure you tried all of this.

Big hugs,
It is horrible to see your pet feel miserable.
C

Re: Most people don't take care of their hamsters

[archmage45]

We only just switched her bedding, hoping the less dusty stuff would help... and yes, we've tried all of that...

[hockeyheretic35]

I went with my mom to the vet yesterday to get medication for her dog/cats...on a whim, I asked the receptionist if she knew of a small animal vet in the area. Surprisingly, there is actually one in their office! Apparently, she had to neuter a pet mouse recently (he was a classroom pet and kept knocking up the female mice). :-) It's nice to know that should the need arise, there's a local vet I can take Petit to see.

[archmage45]

It is sadly a pleasant surprise to find one that does. Congrats and good luck with them!

[hockeyheretic35]

Thanks! :-)

[_makegodscringe]

Rats are the same way. Only we've made quite a lead way with experts publishing books to help inexperianced vets who want to help. We have the Rat Health Care book. I hope you can find someone. =(

[archmage45]

With effort maybe we can do the same thing for our other little furry friends!

[cubanangel919]

:( i'm having a similar problem with Caramel. and I am searching everywhere for a good vet, and so far nada. i don;t want to spend 100 bucks for a vet to tell me she/he doesn't know what wrong. shit i can say that now for free. good luck finding one.

[archmage45]

Thank you! I hope your hunt goes well and that your little Caramel feels better.