Butters has a Swollen, Hard Stomach

[hotglue01]

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all doing great... long time no post. I've been so very happy with my beautiful Buttercup (aka Butts, aka Butters) for over two years now. We celebrated his two-year Gotcha Day in October, and I'm so happy he is with us. I don't now how old he was when I got him, but the folks at PetCo said they only start selling hamsters at 6 months. Throughout his life he has been frisky, happy, and healthy. In fact, that's one of my nicknames for him: my happy, healthy boy.

NOTE: I in NO WAY want to support PetCo and their awful rodent mill practices, but when I went in to buy substrate with the intention of getting my new hammy at the animal shelter, I saw a little guy all crumped up in a tank, looking like he was ready to die. And I brought him home with me that day, and that little angel's name became Buttercup (well, first I called him Honeycomb, lol).

I went away for a trip and my roommate took care of him while I was gone, but when I came back last night I noticed his stomach was very big, swollen, and hard. His fur is almost completely grey now, and he's still so beautiful... but I'm very worried about him. I usually pick him up most every night, and he has always been a big boy, but his stomach is so HARD now. He is still drinking water and I believe he is still eating-- I'll keep close watch on him the next few days. But I'm really worried.

I found an exotic vet in Brooklyn, and am wondering what to do.

[bella33]

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all doing great... long time no post. I've been so very happy with my beautiful Buttercup (aka Butts, aka Butters) for over two years now. We celebrated his two-year Gotcha Day in October, and I'm so happy he is with us. I don't now how old he was when I got him, but the folks at PetCo said they only start selling hamsters at 6 months. Throughout his life he has been frisky, happy, and healthy. In fact, that's one of my nicknames for him: my happy, healthy boy.

NOTE: I in NO WAY want to support PetCo and their awful rodent mill practices, but when I went in to buy substrate with the intention of getting my new hammy at the animal shelter, I saw a little guy all crumped up in a tank, looking like he was ready to die. And I brought him home with me that day, and that little angel's name became Buttercup (well, first I called him Honeycomb, lol).

I went away for a trip and my roommate took care of him while I was gone, but when I came back last night I noticed his stomach was very big, swollen, and hard. His fur is almost completely grey now, and he's still so beautiful... but I'm very worried about him. I usually pick him up most every night, and he has always been a big boy, but his stomach is so HARD now. He is still drinking water and I believe he is still eating-- I'll keep close watch on him the next few days. But I'm really worried.

I found an exotic vet in Brooklyn, and am wondering what to do.

Oh no I hope hes okay! I would take him to that exotic vet to get it checked out, if you are able to? It sounds like maybe a tumour? Although I am not sure.

[hotglue01]

Hi there,

I think so too. I am going to take him to the vet on Friday. I don't know if I'd want him to go in for surgery, but if there is any pain meds or antibiotics I can give him I will.

I hope my little angel is OK. For anyone who sees this, please send prayers for Buttercup. <3

[bella33]

Hi there,

I think so too. I am going to take him to the vet on Friday. I don't know if I'd want him to go in for surgery, but if there is any pain meds or antibiotics I can give him I will.

I hope my little angel is OK. For anyone who sees this, please send prayers for Buttercup. <3

I hope all goes well for you and buttercup <3 Keep us updated!

[hotglue01]

Hi there!

Good news-- Buttercup is likely just constipated! The vet said his stomach sounds like "rolling thunder" so there was lots of activity in there, which indicates overeating and constipation/fluid retention. His stomach is very disdended so there is a chance for tumors, but she said he isn't in any pain and looks happy. She gave me a helpful rodent "grimace chart" to help identify small facial changes that indicate pain, which I can share here soon

I'm so relieved! He is very old... so please keep him in your thoughts <3