Stroke?

[lilangel1518]

So about 2 months ago my boss gave me his hamster because she broke her cage and he didn't want her anymore but thats besides the point. Anyways I have her and he got her 2 Decembers ago so she is almost 3. Yesterday I noticed her not walking well at all. She falls onto her right side constantly when she tries to walk. Shes eating fine and drinking fine too so I don't think shes in any pain. Does it sound like a stroke to you? Anything I can do to make her more comfortable?

[ladymousewitch]

my suggestiong would be if you can feel her bones on that side... if sounds like shes broken something and its healed funny... but thats just me ... if your worried about a stroke go see your local vet.

[Iloveduke4ever]

You might want to take away her wheel and what kind of cage is she in now? If it has levels and ladders,put her in a one story cage. You dont want her climbing up a ladder and falling hurting herself. Which couldve happened to her in the first place. My Cinnamon who passed not too long ago suffered a stroke as well. Couldnt walk to good,barely had enough strength to get to his water and food. Poor guy. But you said yours is eating fine and drinking fine so thats good. Thats pretty old for a hammy! My hammy was that old too when he passed. You could prolly set her up in a bin cage,lots of room,one level. Good luck!

[dbl120902]

I know you say that she's eating and drinking fine and that she doesn't seem to be any pain, but unfortunately sometimes it's impossible to tell that sort of thing with animals. If she really is *constantly* (as you say) falling when she tries to walk, it doesn't really sound as though she has any quality of life left. I had a rat who started walking in circles. At first I thought it was a seizure but then I found out he had a brain tumor. I had him put to sleep. Yes, he still seemed happy to come out of his cage, and yes, he was still eating and drinking just fine. However, logically, I knew that his quality of life couldn't be that good if he was struggling so much to get around, despite how happy he "seemed". So, I had him put down pretty much immediately after he started circling. What I'm trying to say is, though it may "seem" as though your ham is alright, you really must closely examine the quality of life the animal has left, including mobility. If she can hardly move without falling over, then you must agree that her quality of life is very minimal.

Do you suppose it could be something such as an inner ear infection that could possibly be treated by antibiotics? Honestly, before you decide on anything, you need to see a vet and find out what's really going on, and then make your decision based off of that.

One more thing... I want to agree with the post above mine about the bin cage, if you don't already have one. It will make mobility so much easier.

[lilangel1518]

i have her in a 10 gallon that has another level above it. I took out her wheel so she just has her house food and water bottle now. I don't believe in euthanizing animals. We dont euthanize humans. I dont think its an inner ear infection but im still going to have the vet check her out. Thanks for your suggestions and opinions guys. I appreciate it :)

[dbl120902]

I don't believe in euthanizing animals. We dont euthanize humans.

Why is that? So they can suffer needlessly when they are in pain, and furthermore, die a slow an uncomfortable death if their illness is untreatable?

Humans have a right to choose whether or not the "plug is pulled" if they are too far gone. It's called a 'living will'.

[lilangel1518]

I couldnt choose to kill myself right now if i wanted, id be arrested. What about cancer patients who are just in a lot of pain but not out of it, they dont have the option to kill themselves. Its just something I believe,nothing will change my mind and its not worth arguing.

BTW the hamster is getting better she is walking around a lot more and is a lot more active although she occasionally still falls/rolls over

[dbl120902]

I couldnt choose to kill myself right now if i wanted, id be arrested.

They're not going to arrest somebody who is dead.

What about cancer patients who are just in a lot of pain but not out of it, they dont have the option to kill themselves.

Well yes, they do. Everybody has that option. Have you ever studied assisted suicide? I wrote a paper about it in college. It's pretty fascinating, you should check it out. Not to mention, there are places where it is not illegal.

Its just something I believe,nothing will change my mind and its not worth arguing.

Well at least you have an open mind.

BTW the hamster is getting better she is walking around a lot more and is a lot more active although she occasionally still falls/rolls over

She should still see a vet.

[Tumbledown]

I have hamsters(Syrians) and as a prey animal by nature they are silent as are my house rabbits.It's up to owners to notice the slightest difference in behaviour and monitor it.A Syrian at three years old is very geriatric...off to the vet to with it.

[Tumbledown]

Your hamster could be in pain,at least let a vet advise you,whatever your moral codes might be.I would never let an animal suffer distress,or a human if I could.