Administration of drugs to the hamster

Liquid drugs can be administered orally to hamsters fairly easily by using a syringe without a needle or a dropper. Care must be taken not to place the drug in the cheek pouches because the hamster could subsequently expel it. Subcutaneous injections, which can also be used for rehydration, are easily performed, given the abundance of lax skin. Suitable rehydrating fluids are 40-60 ml/kg 5% glucose or electrolyte solution every 24 hours; the solution should be warmed to body temperature. Intramuscular injections are difficult (because of the small size of the animal) and painful and are not, therefore, advised.