Potential neurological problems

Orion · 11-20-2015, 04:18 PM

Hi my dwarf hamster who is 2.1years old was at the vet today. He has had problems with his teeth for a few months so has been see regularly by the vet to make sure they are ok.

This week I have noticed that he is walking oddly, his balance is off and he sort of spins in a circle at times. He is also gradually losing weight as well.

The vet thinks it is neurological rather that an infection. She has given me some antibiotics and painkillers just encase it is an infection but she is more convinced that the problem is neurological.

The vet has said there is no real treatment if that is the case, just to keep him comfortable.

Has any one else had experience with this? Any advice on what additional care to give home to make him more comfortable? TIA

cypher · 11-21-2015, 12:08 AM

Your ham is a really good age now & it isn't uncommon for them to develop problems like this, either neurological problems, mini strokes or just muscle weakness as they age all of which can make them appear unsteady or move in odd ways.
There really isn't anything you can do other than make sure the cage is still suitable, no difficult levels or ladders to manage, everything like food & water within easy reach.
Weight loss in older hams is common too, are you giving any soft food supplementary feed like baby foods or porridge? They usually enjoy those & it can help give them a bit of a boost.

Orion · 11-21-2015, 04:41 AM

Hi. Yes he has softened mushed up select science hearts as well as different baby foods. He doesn't like porridge or fresh foods like scrambled eggs.

He already lives in a tank without levels and I've moved his food and house next to his water bottle.

cypher · 11-21-2015, 06:08 AM

Sounds as though you're doing just about all you can then, hopefully he can still manage & remain comfortable for a while yet.

ZippyRIP · 11-21-2015, 02:18 PM

Hi Orion. Just thought I'd reply to your post, as one of our Robos had exactly the same symptoms a few months ago. He'd lost weight quite rapidly over a period of a couple of weeks, and then one day he couldn't walk in a straight line, without falling over, so we took him straight to the vet. The vet thought it was neurological (a possible stroke) and said there wasn't anything they could really do as dwarf hamsters are so small. He was so thin and unable to eat by then, we decided to put him out of his misery, which was very upsetting as it felt like it had happened suddenly.
Rest assured you are doing everything you can to keep him comfortable and that's all you can do.
Best of luck.

Robodwarfs18 · 11-21-2015, 04:52 PM

My robo Nibbles has a neurological disorder too.

My advice would be to put his cage in a quiet room, if not already.

Also try to not do full cage clean outs, I read somewhere online that they can make the hamster even more stressed.

Keep his cage a very basic layout, where he does have the space to spin if he needs to and as you have done already, keep his food and water in an easily accessible area.

I would also try and keep away from him, I don't know if this would be the same for you but since my robo is untame, whenver I go near the cage, he gets even more stressed and spins.

And finally, don't change any toys about, although some hamsters don't mind the change, I wouldn't risk it.

Hope this helped

x