Hamster dragging back leg

[Billz004]

I think you should take him to the vets. I say this because my hamster done the same thing and I thought it was just a little thing she was showing no pain still eating and stuf but luckily I did go and I was told she has Spinal Trauma which lead her to having to take Anti-inflammatory medicine.

Overall, just keep your hamster comfortable if you do not want to go to the vets.

[Pebbles82]

Nube's Hammy is very old Billz and a vet trip may be an unnecessary stress in her circumstances. You're right that that would normally be the thing to do with a younger hamster.

[Billz004]

@Serendipity7000 Yes your actually right, if he is old then it might *not* be worth risking

good luck

And thanks for making me aware

[Nube]

He seems to have good days and bad days, but even on bad days with leg trailing behind he runs around begging for food and tries to climb things. I have removed access to the second level, put a clean slab under the water bottle so his nails get trimmed a bit. He seems to be much more active recently but thinner. Is that normal for this sort of age? I started giving him vitamin drops too, wonder if these have an effect.. Any special diet old hamsters need?

[cypher]

He's doing remarkably well really bless him!
It is normal for them to lose some weight when they get old, there aren't really any special needs if they're able to eat their normal food ok but you can try offering a few soft foods like porridge & safe baby foods as extras to build him up a bit & keep his energy up, a few small pieces of nut would be good too if he can still eat them ok.
Try not to give too many extras that are high in protein though as it can put quite a strain on the kidneys when they're older.
Hope he continues to do well for a while yet.

[Nube]

Thanks everyone for advice. I wish I knew a good vet, then I would definitely have hammie checked and maybe make his life a bit more comfortable. I do not want the repeat of the multiple previous experiences where the vet has obviously not only has not seen many hamsters but also looked surprised that somebody bothered to take a hamster to the surgery. There is definitely discrimination of small animals in the two surgeries we have been to.

[Thin Lizzy]

You've got one very determined little fighter. You're doing all you can and he'll have noticed the changes you've made.

[BorisPasha]

You could try having a look at the good vet finder thread Good vets finder Maybe you will find one near you

(apologies if you already have had a look)

[SimonandSyril]

When hamsters reach such an extraordinary age they will start to develop little things like this. If he is struggling and in pain i personally would still not take him to the vet because of his age just keep him comfortable. I assume he is acting normal and doing the regular hamster things but because of his unfortunate hind leg you should take out any high platforms and toys in his cage. Make sure the setup of his cage lets him get to his food, water and wheel without struggling.
I do hope your Hamster spends the rest of his life in a happy situation.

[Nube]

Here is a photo of him dragging his leg. In case someone says "oh I know this condition just give him a bit of magic mushroom and he wil recover"

He does not seem to have "good days" any more, drags his leg all the time. Still pretty active. I wonder if it is ok to continue taking him out for a run. He spends a lot of his time outside running around me and trying to climb on me. So I wonder if he is more affectionate or finds these walks very tiring and wants to go back to cage...