Question About My Hamster

[Velvet Revolver]

Hello everyone.

As of today, my hamster seems to have lost its balance and is slow when moving, but its slowness appears due to the fact that he finds it hard to balance.

He is over 2 and a half years old now, nearing 3 if I'm correct. But previous to this, he hasn't shown any signs of age or illness, he has been very healthy and active.

I'm wondering if he has had a stroke, before, he seemed to be breathing very heavy. His breathing seems fine now though. At one point, while he was turning round he just fell over on his side. And when he mounts on his back two legs to either eat food or clean himself, he wobbles quite somewhat.

I'm hoping a good nights sleep and he may be in better condition tomorrow.

What do you guys think?

Thanks, help is very appriciated.

[jennawing]

At his age, stroke is very likely. Poor guy. You need to insure that he eats and drinks enough, and he will likely recover somewhat. He may always be a litle clumsier or have a head tilt, etc, but most hamsters DO recover SOME if they do not dehydrate in the meantime. Handfeed him if necessary. Let me know if you need tips on this. If it is a stroke, he should show signs of improvement within 2-3 days.

However, if there is no improvement- and you have succeeded in keeping him fed and watered- then it might very likely be an ear infection, which would require vet trip and antibiotics.

If you are not content to wait 2 or 3 days to find out, I'd go ahead and take him to the vet. You must be quite aious as it is.

I hope that your little guy recovers and mends. Let us know how he's doing and/or what the vet has to say. :)

[Velvet Revolver]

Thanks for your reply, Jenna.

He's been sleeping for the past 2 hours or so now, so I will see how he is tomorrow.

I'll make sure he gets plenty of food and water down him within the next few days. If he hasn't gotten any worse by tomorrow, I think I'll wait the weekend off and see how he is on Monday. And if there is no improvment he'll be visiting the vets.

I'll let you know how he gets on.

[Velvet Revolver]

He's OK! [American accent]

:)

[Revenge]

you want the little fellow to have a good long life not a 2 year expectince because someone is always watching them to much

[jennawing]

good to hear- what happened? Did you need to see the vet?