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Old 10-07-2020, 01:56 PM   #1
PoobLove97
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Default Possible Stroke?: Need Advice

Hello, this is my first time making a post here. I need advice on how to handle caring for my hamster, Poob, after we think she had a stroke.

My hamster is a very sweet Chinese dwarf, she is about a year and 10 months old.

About 3 days ago I went to check on her before I went for a walk and I noticed she wasn’t in her nest where she normally sleeps/relaxes. I didn’t think much of it until I found her and I saw she was sort of dragging her back legs. I got really nervous and tried to see what was wrong. I didn’t see any signs of wet tail (I inspected her butt and looked around for any messes) and she was acting completely normal except for not using her back legs. My fiancé and I rushed her to a vet and they said she most likely had a stroke, or suffered trauma to her spine.

The vet asked if she could have fallen but I have no idea how she would have been able to do that. She doesn’t have anything to climb on in her tank and she’s never shown interest in climbing (she prefers to run on her silent spinner, dig or play in her sand bath). The vet still gave us medicine (gabapentin, meloxicam/metacam) to give her in case she did have a spine injury and told us to keep her in her carrying cage for bedrest and to come back to get her looked at in 2 weeks.

When we first brought her home she was not interested in food at all which made me even more scared so I switched to feeding her baby food and cooked egg which she has been happily eating up. I have been feeding her and giving her water by hand every few hours. I also have been checking her private area for signs of wet tail but she has been pooping normally. Yesterday, while I was checking her privates, she got uncomfortable and slightly kicked me with her foot. I put her back down but she still hasn’t been using her back legs. Other than not using her legs she has been acting “normal” and responsive. Her head has not been droopy and her balance seems fine.

I just need advice on if you think she did have a stroke and if she will be able to recover? I love my little Poob so much and I know she is older but I want to do everything I can to give her a chance. Any feedback/advice is greatly appreciated. I just want to do everything I can to make my baby Poob happy and comfortable.
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Old 10-11-2020, 08:36 AM   #2
Engel
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Default Re: Possible Stroke?: Need Advice

Could she have been running on the silent spinner and been launched off it? (It happens when they decide to slam the brakes on). Could have landed funny?

May be distressing but can I have a video of her moving about?

My girl Lilith had a stroke. Recovered somewhat within a week, only to then have reoccurring seizures. She died almost a month after
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Old 10-11-2020, 03:27 PM   #3
PoobLove97
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Default Re: Possible Stroke?: Need Advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by Engel View Post
Could she have been running on the silent spinner and been launched off it? (It happens when they decide to slam the brakes on). Could have landed funny?

May be distressing but can I have a video of her moving about?

My girl Lilith had a stroke. Recovered somewhat within a week, only to then have reoccurring seizures. She died almost a month after
I took 2 videos to show how she moves about. I swear sometimes I can see her pull her foot foreword or flex her foot a bit. I'm not sure if I'm being overly optimistic though.

https://youtu.be/vu8EB8a6gss

https://youtu.be/bey8simr9V4

sorry I hope I did this right. Thank you for taking the time to look.
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Old 10-11-2020, 03:51 PM   #4
Engel
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Default Re: Possible Stroke?: Need Advice

I'm so sorry but it isn't looking good. As there's no balance issue I'd be inclined to think that it's an injury.

Have you got nails? Could you gently press your nail into her foot. Does she react? If she does she can feel it and there may be hope, if she can't then you may need to have a serious think and talk to your vet.

Can we have a photo of the cage? So I may be able to pinpoint what may have caused it?
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Old 10-11-2020, 04:05 PM   #5
Amethyst_ice
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Default Re: Possible Stroke?: Need Advice

Hello

Im sorry to see your little one is in a bad way. I wuldn't expect any wet tail so i'd stop doing those checks to minimise stress. It does look like it is spinal to me,,that could very well be from a stroke or injury.

Dos she seem better on the metacam at all? I'd be making the cage as easy to get around, a few water and food sources while you wait to see your vet again
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Old 10-11-2020, 04:55 PM   #6
PoobLove97
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Default Re: Possible Stroke?: Need Advice

OK so it seems she can move one leg somewhat. Before she just dragged both legs equally. She has no problems eating on her own or moving however, I'm keeping her in a small temporary bin. Even though she still likes to move around, the vet recommended bed rest so she has no access to a wheel and I put a small dish of water on the ground so she has easy access.

Here is a photo of her normal tank. It looks pretty plain because I removed some toys, her water bottle and her water dish as well as her food dish.
https://imgur.com/a/tF7FyST

I also took more video of her moving and poking her feet.
https://youtu.be/R8Y7UU0H5Qc

Also thank you again for taking the time.
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Old 10-11-2020, 11:57 PM   #7
cypher
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Default Re: Possible Stroke?: Need Advice

She looks as though she’s managing to get around pretty well, if she’s on metacam that should help, it’s always hard to know if it might be an injury or something like a stroke, Chinese hams usually love to climb on anything or anything so I’m surprised she doesn’t & I wouldn’t rule that out as a possiblility.
I think all you can do is make sure her cage is set up in a way she can get to everything she needs easily & still has things to do to keep her occupied & see how she goes.
One of my hamsters suddenly lost the use of his back legs, I never knew what happened but he was on metacam for a while & made a complete recovery, your ham may or may not but mine never stopped trying to run in his wheel even though he couldn’t! So I didn’t remove anything from the cage just made sure he didn’t have to climb or struggle to reach anything, I don’t think they are likely to do things that will hurt or make the problem worse usually.
She’s a lovely little ham, hope she can manage ok for some time yet.
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Old 10-13-2020, 06:45 PM   #8
PoobLove97
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Default Re: Possible Stroke?: Need Advice

I just want to say thank you to everyone for your advice. Poob can now mostly move normally and she's been enjoying being able to move around easily. I am so thankful for your support. I understand she could possibly have another stroke but I just want to do my best to keep her happy and comfortable. I didn't want to just give up on her the moment I saw her legs not working. I am so happy she is doing better and I just want to say thank you again!

Please accept virtual hugs from me and my little Poob! <3
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Old 10-13-2020, 06:59 PM   #9
PoobLove97
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Default Re: Possible Stroke?: Need Advice

I'll post an update if anything major happens but for now, Poob is doing great.
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File Type: jpg LittlePoob.jpg (18.1 KB, 10 views)
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