Hamsters are great pets.They are hardy and healthy.Respiratory illnesses are a common cause of sick hamsters.Respiratory illnesses can quickly go from bad to worse in hamsters.The quicker you get your hamster to the vet, the better it will be for you.
Step 1: Take a look at your hamster's eyes and nose.
Respiratory illnesses can cause problems in hamsters.A hamster with respiratory problems might have a discharge from their eyes and nose.The discharge is either opaque or yellow.Your hamster's eyes and nose may be red if it has a respiratory illness.
Step 2: Listen to your hamster breathe.
Respiratory illnesses make breathing difficult for hamsters.Your hamster's chest may widen when it breathes, as it contracts with each breath.You may be able to hear the wheezing when your hamster is breathing.
Step 3: Sneezing can be detected.
Your hamster may sneeze if it has a respiratory illness.discharge can come out of your hamster's nose when it sneezes.
Step 4: Look at your pet.
A hamster has a shiny coat.A hamster with a respiratory illness has a dull hair coat.If your hamster is sick, it will lose its hair coat.
Step 5: Your hamster has a body condition.
hamsters with respiratory illnesses look bad.The sickness will cause your hamster to lose weight.Your hamster will look thinner if it has a respiratory illness.
Step 6: It's a good idea to look for shaking and shivering.
Hamsters with respiratory illnesses can shiver.They might be feeling cold.
Step 7: Determine if your hamster is consuming enough food.
A respiratory illness can make your hamster feel so sick that it doesn't want to eat.Measure the amount of food you give your hamster each day to make sure it has enough to eat.Measure the amount of food left over at the end of the day.hamsters tend to have a lot of food in their cages.If your hamster is sick and doesn't want to eat, you may see leftover food in the cage.
Step 8: Take note of the decrease in activity.
hamsters are active and playful.It will not feel playful if your hamster is sick.It may want to stay in its bedding and not move a lot.Decreased activity is a sign of respiratory illness.If your hamster is sick, don't force it to play.
Step 9: Look for grumpiness.
Sick hamsters can become grumpy.If you try to handle a sick hamster, it may bite you.Leave your hamster alone in its cage if it seems nippy.
Step 10: Take your hamster to the vet.
hamsters can get respiratory illnesses very quickly.A hamster's immune system can quickly be overwhelmed by invading germs.A little cold can turn into a serious case of pneumonia.Call your vet immediately if you notice signs of respiratory illness in your hamster.
Step 11: Your vet can examine your hamster.
When you bring your hamster to the vet, they will watch it in its cage.They will look at your hamster from head to toe and listen to its heart and lungs.Extra oxygen will be given to your hamster if it is having trouble breathing.
Step 12: Answer your vet's questions.
Your vet will ask you questions about your hamster's illness during the physical exam.When you first noticed symptoms, they will ask you what they were.Respiratory illness can be transmitted from one hamster to another, and from humans to hamsters, so your vet will ask if you or the hamster's cage mates are sick.Poor housing conditions can make a hamster sick.Your vet might ask about your hamster's living environment.
Step 13: Allow your vet to look at the organisms.
Respiratory illnesses in hamsters can be caused bybacteria and Viruses.To treat your hamster the most effectively, your vet will need to know the cause of the illness.A sample of fluid from your hamster will be analyzed by your vet.
Step 14: Your vet will take x-rays of your hamster.
x-rays of your hamster's chest may be necessary if your vet thinks he has pneumonia.The severity of the pneumonia would be determined by chest x-rays.X-rays of your hamster's skull can be used to look at the nasal passages.