bluekarin Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 Hi, we have two hamsters; one we bought from our local pet place and was about 8 weeks old when we got him and the other was 'rescued' from someone my mum works for as he wasn't being looked after properly, and he is probably about 2 years old now. Its the older one that I am a bit concerned about. He sometimes has one eye closed for a day or two and then is fine. I am assuming this is because he has scratched it on the bedding. However, today both eyes were shut. I tried to wipe them with damp cotton wool and he eventually opened one eye. He wasn't too impressed with that. Also, he smells quite strongly of urine and his underside is looking a bit yellowy. I tried cleaning this too. Does anyone know if its okay to give them a shallow bath with some mild soap? I think he is getting a bit elderly now as he falls asleep outside of his house, usually after he's had a drink. Any advvice is most greatfully appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 Your poor second hammy is dying in old age of either kidney failure or diabetes. Both these conditions are ubiquitous in aged hamster life. I would keep him clean and very warm .... (a hottie bottie would ease his passing) and just let him go. It's probably only a matter of hours now. 2 is about it really for hammies though pet shops would have it otherwise .... easier to sell to children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 Poor little thing . I hope you can keep him comfortable till his time comes . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAB Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 Glad he is somewhere caring to end his days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clur Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 When I had a hamster I did used to give him a bath in a shallow bowl of warm soapy water, particularly as he got older he used to like it, but make sure he's kept warm afterwards. Does sound like he's getting on in age and it's fab he's got someone so caring looking after him and keeping him comfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted February 17, 2009 Author Share Posted February 17, 2009 The good news is he is much better. His eyes are open. Still smells though so we wiped his tummy over with a babywipe (probably not the best thing to use, but I wasn't sure how he'd be sitting in a bath). We think he had a cold. My ED looked up his symptoms and one vet recommended we bring him into our local one for antibiotics. Now I thought antibiotics didn't work on colds? Hmmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
