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Old 11-23-2018, 06:36 PM   #1
alpacassei
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Default Old hamsters, athritis, and wheels?

In his old age, Stephano has developed arthritis to the degree that he now walks with a hunch. Would I be correct in thinking it’s time to remove his wheel for his own safety? I’ve never had an arthritic hammie before so I’m not sure.
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Old 11-23-2018, 11:05 PM   #2
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Default Re: Old hamsters, athritis, and wheels?

Does he still try to use the wheel? If he does & doesn't fall or look as though he may hurt himself then I would leave it, if it looks as though he's in danger of hurting himself if he tries to use the wheel then it might be better to remove it.
When they get older you just have to let them guide you by their behaviour & actions really, there's no one way to do things.
Is he having any treatment for the arthritis? Vets will usually give metacam to help if needed.
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Old 11-24-2018, 06:26 PM   #3
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Default Re: Old hamsters, athritis, and wheels?

Has he been diagnosed with arthritis? Walking with a hunch doesn't sound much like it to me - it tends to suggest they're in pain. They tend to develop it in back legs first. I would definitely see about getting him some metacam and if a vet hasn't diagnosed the arthritis then maybe get him a check over in case it's something else. Either way the metacam should help with pain relief.

I wouldn't remove the wheel but make sure it's safe for an older hamster. So for example I had my wheel so the entry was dead level with the substrate so no tripping on the edge when getting in and out of the wheel. If it's arthritis the exercise is good for them and they will do it if they want to. Charlie at 2 and a half years old with stiff back legs, used to love hopping in his, running for about 10 seconds and then hopping out again - rather than not doing it at all!
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Old 11-24-2018, 07:23 PM   #4
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Default Re: Old hamsters, athritis, and wheels?

He’s recently diagnosed by the vets and but the vet wouldn’t prescribe medication at the time. He’s got another appointment with a different vet this week coming though so hopefully I can get him some Metacam and a second opinion on his back (it does seem very stiff thuogh compared to the way hamsyers hunch over when they’re in pain), he definitely has arthritis is his back legs though.

I’ll keep his wheel in for now then since he does like to walk in it a little still. I’m glad that the exercise is good for him, I was worried it would make things worse. But i worry about him a lot though. He’s almost 2 and a half now which is especially impressive considering he’s a hybrid who’s always had health problems. i’m proud of him
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Old 11-24-2018, 11:29 PM   #5
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Default Re: Old hamsters, athritis, and wheels?

They do often get that hunched posture when they get old, I don't know but they may get changes in their spine just as humans do with age, I hope the vet can give him something to ease the stiffness & any pain he may be feeling.
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