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About Sheila Adby
Expertise
Syrian hamsters are my specialty, however, I have kept Campbells,Winter Whites and gerbils in the past. I can advise on most subjects associated with hamsters, including housing, bedding, feeding, handling, new borns and catching escapees. I have had some experience of various health problems with hamsters and can offer my opinion and advice on basic health issues, however I am not a qualified vet and therefore cannot recommend drugs etc. My website is www.thehamstersite.com

Experience
I have been keeping hamsters and other small animals for more than 12 years. My favourites are Syrian hamsters and I foster litters and 'difficult' hamsters for a rescue centre. My job is to tame hamsters ready for re-homing, which is extremely rewarding. I also enjoy looking after new litters and raising the pups. I have co-written a book on hamsters with my local vet and have a website: www.thehamstersite.com

Publications
Hamsters in Sickness and in Health - Sheila Adby and Dan O'Neill ISBN186163218-5 (Capall Bann Publishing)

Education/Credentials
Educated to A Level standard in the UK.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Exotic Pets > Gerbils & Hamsters > hamster health

Gerbils & Hamsters - hamster health

Expert: Sheila Adby - 10/28/2009

Question
hi sheila, my hamster is just over 2 years old and has started to drink an excessive amount of water. we clean his cage once a week normally, but in the last few weeks half his cage is saturated with urine after only 2 or 3 days. is there something wrong with him. thanks chris

Answer
Hi Chris

I'm afraid around this age there can be health issues with a hamster. Often they develop tumors which cause an increase in water consumption, so I'm afraid it could be this. With internal tumors there is little that can be done other than to make sure the hamster isn't in any pain. Sometimes tumors are quite slow to grow and you don't notice any real change in the hamster. However, if they start to get large and put pressure on internal organs or the spine the hamster will struggle to walk, not want to leave the nest and tends to become a bit 'pear' shaped. You do sometimes notice blood/pus coming from their rear end and this is always a sign to take them to the vet.

Alternatively he could have some sort of kidney/bladder problem which is causing this change in behaviour. In which case a vet may need to intervene in case antibiotics are needed. Is there any sign of blood in the urine? I know it is hard to tell sometimes with a hamster as their urine can be quite orange anyway.

Another thing that it could be is diabetes. Excessive drinking and urinating is common in these cases. It might be a good idea to check for this assuming there are no other symptoms. Your vet might allow you to pick up a 'diastix' from them without the need for a consultation, or you might be able to get these in the chemist/pet shop. You put your hamster in a clean plastic container and wait for him to pee, then test the urine. If the diastix shows a high level of glucose then you are pretty safe to assume it is diabetes. In this case, the best thing is to try and change the diet. Some hamsters can adjust and are OK. Make sure there are no sugary treats - this includes anything that honey has been added to. Also only feed a dry mix that does not have dried fruit in it and don't feed any fresh fruits. You can make up a good mix of seeds: linseed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed and sunflower seed. These provide essential fatty acids and help regulate the sugar level. If you put a teaspoonful of this in the cage daily.

I hope this helps you identify what is wrong. If there are any real changes in his behaviour as well as excessive drinking and urinating it would be a good idea to get a vet to check him out in case he needs any medication.

Good luck with this.

Regards

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