Really dumb hamster question sorry?

Question

i am looking after my nextdoor neighbours hamster while they are on holiday and have just noticed it is bleeding from its rear end , really dumb question but do they have periods or is it sick ? oh shes a girl hamster by the way

Answer 1

Is it definitely blood?

Hamsters can get a disease called Wet Tail:

Wet Tail is a bacterial infection or an imbalance of the natural bacteria in the hamster's stomach or intestine and is often confused with diarrhoea. Although a hamster with Wet Tail has diarrhoea, the diarrhoea is so severe that the hamster is wet and/or dirty not only around the a**s but usually around the top of the tail as well. The diarrhoea is accompanied by a strong unpleasant smell. Droppings are pale in colour and extremely soft and may contain mucus. The hamster often walks hunched up, is weak and lethargic and may squeal in pain.

Either way, Hammy needs a vet.

Answer 2

It's sick, needs the vet I'm afraid.

Answer 3

They don't really have periods it sounds like something is wrong and she needs a vet.

Answer 4

Yes, you need to take it to the vet.  Some say it is usually fatal but you can pull her through.  My daughter was away on a school function when hers got sick.  I had to take care of her myself.  We went to the vet and she seemed fine, a little weak but  nothing serious, by the end of the day she was near death.  Your biggest enemy is dehydration.  I force fed her a mixture of water and Pedialyte (1 to 1) every 15 minutes for the first 7 hours then I got up every hour for the first night to make her drink. ( It is hard, you have to hold the skin on the back of the neck back so they have to open the mouth. ) I brought her to work with me the next day and dropper fed her every hour throughout the day.  

The third day, she drank by herself.  It is hard but you can nurse her through it.  Good luck, you are going to need it.  I hope this helps.  Yes...... our hamster is just fine, she gave us a good scare but, she is good now.

Oh yeah, my intensity not that I was a big animal lover, I mean I felt bad, but my motivation was not letting my daughter's hamster die on my watch.  

Although I will say this..... I have a very soft spot for Nutmeg now.  She is pretty cool!!

Answer 5

Its not entirely unheard of for female hamsters to bleed like that.  It is a menstrual type of thing (not a period exactly but something along those lines).  However, it is more likely to be some sort of water infection which can be cleared up quite easily with some antibiotics from the vet.

Even if the hamster doesn't seem bothered by the bleeding, a poorly hamster can very suddenly take a turn for the worse so its best to take her to the vet.  It should only cost about £10.00 - £15.00 which you will no doubt be reimbursed.

Answer 6

female hamsters dont have periods. it sounds like a problem, u need to see a vet. dont wait til the owners get back, u need to take it to the vet. just inform the owners of taking the hamster to the vet and tell them that they need to pay the bill.

Answer 7

This is not a dumb question!!

Hamsters go through heat but do not bleed. This is a sign of a urinary tract infection. Something such as a bladder stone is blocking the p**p or pee to come out. They can die from this so please tell your neighbor to take the hamster to an exotic emergency vet.

Answer 8

definetly take it to the vet!

Answer 9

no, they dont. they dont bleed while theyre in heat either. take it to the vet IMMEDIATLY. im sorry, but it needs it. i hope it all turns out good... =]

Answer 10

Female hamsters do not bleed during their cycles. The maximum they would have is light spotting which might be noticeable on a white bedding.

I do not want to scare you but bleeding normally signifies a serious infection -

The blood is probably from the urinary tract or anal region. Since they are all located very closely, it is difficult to say where the blood is coming from.

Blood from the urinary tract - This could mean an urinary tract infection(UTI). Consult a vet and obtain a hamster-safe antibiotic such as Baytril or Albon.

Blood from the hamster's a**s - This could be a result of feeding too much wet food such as fruits or vegetables. Cut down on those foods and take her to a vet for medication.

Whatever be the reason, this is definitely a cause for you to rush your hamster to the vet immediately. Is there anyway you can inform your neighbours?

Answer 11

Oh thats not a dumb question, you are right to be worried. Take her down to the vet who will get her sorted out. Good luck

Sarah x

Answer 12

Get her to the vet as soon as possible. It could be an infection or wet tail (which is an illness often found in hamsters). Take it in the next 24 hours if you want to give it the best chance of surviving.

Answer 13

yea it sick my friends hamster did tht once but i know one thing for sure your neighbours wont let u take care of tht hamster agian