Expert: Jana Connell RVT, CVT - 7/21/2010

Question
Hello
Please help me. My hamster keeps bleeding on her bottom. My parents and I went to see a vet today and she told us that the hamster may have urinary or uterus infection. She gave us an antibiotic and anti inflammatory liquid medicine with syringes. One is called Metacam and the other Sulfatrim Suspension. I'm not sure if the medicine had made her condition worse since she kept bleeding. She did not bleed continuously before seeing the vet.  Blood came out when the vet was feeling her body to check on her.  I don't want her condition to get worse after taking antibodies. She is still eating and drinking and I want her to still stay that way. She is 2 years old. Please help me. Thank you.

Answer
Zhou Ling,
I am not an expert with hamsters. If you have these concerns about the medications then call your vet's office and tell them your concerns. They are there to listen to you. Ask to speak to the vet that treated her today. If not then ask for a vet tech and tell her what is happening to the hamster and that you are worried about giving the medications.

Write down what they tell you. Ask questions and tell them what you told me above, about her bleeding.
You can always ask Heather questions as well.
Here is her link:
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/2005-34607/Gerbils-Hamsters/Heather.htm
she is the allexperts.com hamster person. If she can't answer them then she might be able to tell you where to go and who to ask.

I know you love your little girl. Just remember that hamsters do not live past the age of 2.5 to 3 yrs old. She is getting old is she is two, so you must be prepared for her to get sick and maybe not do well as she gets older. She sounds as if she is doing fine right now except for the bleeding. So call the vet tomorrow if it's too late now and ask those questions. In the meantime you should give her the medication the vet told you to give. The blood that came out is from the vet feeling her and moving any loose blood that was inside of her so that is probably why she is still bleeding.

Please call them tomorrow and ask your questions Zhou Ling! It is your right to do so. Don't be afraid, just call them.
Please let me know what they said and how she is doing.