Charlie's bloated stomach

[alexandra the great]

Hey clubhouse,
My sweet charlie, who's a little over two years old has an extremely bloated stomach. I noticed it this morning. I suspect that it's abdominal fluids. She was moving around quite normally, although her water bowl levels haven't gone down much. I really don't know what I can do for her at this point. I don't want the bloating to cause her any pain.

I'll see what I can do about posting a photo tomorrow

[Spud]

Have you booked her a vet appointment (definitely do so if you haven't already, the vet can prescribe her pain meds).
If you're worried about her being dehydrated, you could always give her a small slice of watery veg such as cucumber.
I haven't got any other tips I'm afraid, I hope you can find out what's causing this.

[Kikya]

Hey clubhouse,
My sweet charlie, who's a little over two years old has an extremely bloated stomach. I noticed it this morning. I suspect that it's abdominal fluids. She was moving around quite normally, although her water bowl levels haven't gone down much. I really don't know what I can do for her at this point. I don't want the bloating to cause her any pain.

I'll see what I can do about posting a photo tomorrow

That level of bloating is not good. Do you have any emergency services exotic vets nearby? They can ultrasound the stomach and see if it's a mass or fluid buildup from something like kidney or heart failure.

Has she been pooping? have you seen new spots of pee? I know you said it doesn't seem like she's been drinking, but have you seen her eating?

I would check if you are able to see if she is dehydrated. To check for dehydration, gently pull up a bit of skin from the back of the neck. Normally, it will snap back into place quickly when you let go. A dehydrated hamster’s skin will go back into place slowly, the more dehydrated, the slower the skin will return to normal. Count the seconds it takes for the skin to snap back to place.

[alexandra the great]

That level of bloating is not good. Do you have any emergency services exotic vets nearby? They can ultrasound the stomach and see if it's a mass or fluid buildup from something like kidney or heart failure.

Has she been pooping? have you seen new spots of pee? I know you said it doesn't seem like she's been drinking, but have you seen her eating?

I would check if you are able to see if she is dehydrated. To check for dehydration, gently pull up a bit of skin from the back of the neck. Normally, it will snap back into place quickly when you let go. A dehydrated hamster’s skin will go back into place slowly, the more dehydrated, the slower the skin will return to normal. Count the seconds it takes for the skin to snap back to place.

Hi Kikya, I'm not aware of any exotic vets near me but I can check.
Last night I was force drinking her by dipping my fingers in water and putting it up to her. She always licks my fingers that way. And she did poop and eat in my hand last night. I have no idea if it's causing her pain or not

[Kikya]

You could try some oatmeal or baby food to get her some moisture. How is she doing today?

[alexandra the great]

You could try some oatmeal or baby food to get her some moisture. How is she doing today?

She's doing good. She's acting normal and she still lets me pick her up. I left some food out for her last night and she took it. Her drinking habits appear to be normal again. I've just been monitoring her a little more.
I might try giving her oatmeal. She deserves it after all. (=

[alexandra the great]

Here's a picture.
The 1st one is her in September, The second one is her rn
https://ibb.co/pd5RVn2

[missPixy]

Most of the time, this kind of bloating in a female hamster whose Charlie’s age indicates reproductive issues. However bloating can also signify heart issues like congestive heart failure.

You mentioned you don’t have any vets near you. That’s difficult because the bloating doesn’t get better on its own. For example if this is due to reproductive tumors, a vet would suggest hysterectomy. For congestive heart failure, there are medications that can help manage the condition, including a diuretic called Lasix that helps reduce bloating.

There are natural treatments for bloat like dandelion leaves. You can buy dandelion in the produce section of your market. You can also find dandelion root tea that you can make and mix 50/50 in her drinking water (you’d need to change out every other day) and also offer to Charlie at 100% strength straight through a syringe.

[alexandra the great]

hi missPixy. sadly, charlie passed away today. i thank you for the suggestions, I greatly appreciate them =)

[hotglue01]

Hi there,

I know this is an old post, but first, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Charlie <3 But I'd like to say thank you for documenting this illness. My Buttercup has a swollen stomach, and I just noticed today that he has been peeing a lot more than usual in his sand box. He is around 2.5 years old and I know that this is near the end for him... so this makes me feel at least like there is some comradely in this experience between us.

I hope you are well <3