Symptoms and Diagnosis
Specific Gravity (S.G.) of a liquid is a measure of its concentration with respect to pure water. S.G. of pure water is 1.000 by definition. Normal, concentrated urine has a higher density of substances dissolved in it than pure water, and so its specific gravity is a higher number, such as around 1.005-1.006. Urine passing through impaired kidneys is dilute and has S.G. of 1.002 or less (closer to pure water).
In hamsters with CKD, the following easily-noticed symptoms are generally present:
• Frequent urination
• Significant weight loss without any obvious causes (such as overgrown teeth)
• Possibly reduced vitality (sleeping more, etc.)
To diagnose CKD, a vet visit is highly recommended. If you suspect CKD in your hamster, a qualified veterinarian should test your hamster’s urine for protein content and specific gravity. While there exist test strips one can buy on-line for this purpose, the strips do not give specific gravity values under 1.003, which is where the realm of impaired kidney function starts. So a more precise diagnosis is advised (as well as ruling out other common causes of those symptoms, like perhaps diabetes).
In larger animals, it is possible to “stage” CKD to see exactly where in the progression of the disease an animal is, but that requires a blood test. My vet personally did not advise a blood test for my tiny dwarf hamster, because it would be very stressful and would ultimately not help make her better, unless further research is solidified, where prescription medication dosing is finalized for hamster-sized subjects (to be discussed later in this thread).
Note: elderly hamsters can develop this condition as part of normal aging process.