Calvin is shaky

LoveMyFuzzbutts · 09-21-2015, 07:42 PM

I rescued Calvin two days ago from an overcrowded aquarium at a pet store. He has gotten his butt kicked, but all of the injuries have scabbed over and don't seem infected. I don't know his age but he looks juvenile- between a baby and adult. He's a long haired Syrian. I noticed tonight that his balance seems off. When he walks, it's really shaky. He can stand on his back legs, but he falls forward a lot as if to catch his balance. He responds to my voice and greets me when I come in the room. He's eating and drinking. Body is in pretty good condition, though his coat is shredded to heck. He looks like crazy uncle Sal with a drinking problem. Thoughts? I'm thinking parasite. Can hams get e.cuniculi?

cypher · 09-21-2015, 10:38 PM

It's really hard to say with something like that, I don't know much about parasites but given his history it's possible he's had some injury that's causing this or it could even be a neurological problem, are you going to get a vet to check him over?

racinghamster · 09-22-2015, 04:43 AM

Given that he recently came from an overcrowded tank and isn`t in the best shape, I would think this little guy needs a nice safe, dark box to sleep in and some quiet time. He may be exhibiting post stress reactions from any bites or bullying he had. Then again, he may have a condition going on that is showing now that he is alone. I would approach this now as leaving him to do his own thing and allow his to eat, sleep and give him a wheel to use if he wants to. But nutritionally, he may also be lacking in some beneficial nutrients, so you could prepare a small dish of fresh raw greens and a little apple for him to enjoy. Only a small amount though to enjoy about five centimetres in size. Things like simple basics, broccoli, cauliflower, garden pea, a nibblet of sweet corn, carrot and apple. So nothing too exotic.

He looks sweet. Were you in the store and saw him there or were you buying a hamster at the time? x

LoveMyFuzzbutts · 09-22-2015, 05:09 AM

@Cypher, if he gets any worse or isn't better in a few days, I'll definitely take him to my exotics vet.

@Racinghamster, I was thinking nutritional deficiency as well. I will try some greens and a little apple and go from there. I was there buying a new water bottle holder and saw him lol.

He's in a wire cage. Could he be cold? He doesn't feel cold and the temp gun around his cage reads 71 degrees Fahrenheit.

cypher · 09-22-2015, 05:27 AM

That should be plenty warm enough, no reason he should get cold but just make sure he has lots of shredded tissue anyway so he can make a nice soft cosy nest.

LoveMyFuzzbutts · 09-22-2015, 05:37 AM

He does, but he refuses to use it or his hut.

cypher · 09-22-2015, 05:45 AM

So long as he has it if he wants it I wouldn't worry then, let him settle & make up his own mind!

LoveMyFuzzbutts · 09-22-2015, 05:59 AM

Should I stop handling him?

cypher · 09-22-2015, 06:13 AM

I wouldn't handle a ham after just two days, even more so as he's come from such a stressful situation, give him a good few days to settle in, talk to him quietly when you're nearby but just let him adjust in his own time before you try handling or interacting with him other than essentials like feeding, water bottle & spot cleaning when needed.