Torphor, stroke or old age, and what to do next?

Izzyshamsters · 02-14-2021, 11:22 AM

Hi there,
Recently I have been seeing my hammy less and less, I know he is old as he reached 2 years recently, however, this morning I saw him out, so I went to say hi but when he was walking he was shaking and sort of rolling around. I picked him up and he was cold and limb, so I thought it was torphor, I then asked some of my Hamster insta friends for advice. I fed him blended banana, apple juice, sugar and water, and water seperatley through a pipette sort-of-thing, which he occasionally had some of. After keeping him warm on a water bottle and stroking him to get the blood circulation working, I noticed little change after three hours! So I decided to put him in his tank with a heat mat and hot water bottle, he is now breathing steadily, and has been for the last few hours. My insta hammy friends said it may be a stroke, however, I have recently read on this forum that other peoples elderly hammies are also shaking when walking.
So now I am wondering what happened and if I should adapt his cage and lifestyle (for example if he had a stroke I should remove the wheel) (or should I continue feeding mushed food)? Thanks so much for any help, I really appreciate it as I am extremely worried.

Ria P · 02-15-2021, 05:21 AM

I attempted to reply a few times but didn't post because i don't know the answer and can't say what is happening to your hamster.

To me it looks like he is nearing the end of his life but he could also be ill in which case it may be advisable to contact a vet.

My late Syrian became very wobbly and sleepy during the last days of his life and spent most of his time in his nest until he drifted off in his forever sleep.
I did adjust his cage and removed all fall risks when he became wobbly so his set up was more or less on one level. His water and food was within easy reach of him.

I don't think it likely that your hamster has gone into a torpor state unless he was exposed to a drastic drop of temperature which isn't really something that happens in a house with the heating on. When it gets cold hamsters build bigger nests in their houses and with plenty of bedding they keep quite warm.

I'm sorry that i can't be more helpful.

Pebbles82 · 02-15-2021, 04:10 PM

I think it’s a case of see how he goes. Glad he improved a bit after being warmed up. He may have started to go into torpor if the room got very cold - it has been sub zero overnight recently in the Uk. Or it may be gradual organ failure as he nears the end of his life. I’d suggest just keeping the room at 20 degrees even if it means leaving a heater on overnight. You could try him with a bit of porridge and softened hamster mix. You just put a bit of boiled water into a small dish of hamster mix and leave it for 10 mins or so until it has cooled and softened, before putting it in the cage. Also make sure the water is nearby.

If he is dying he may lapse into unconsciousness but still seem to be sleeping. Just keep talking to him and see how he goes.

Izzyshamsters · 02-16-2021, 03:15 AM

Hiya, thanks for your help, unfortunately, as I picked him up to take him to the vets, I saw him stretched out and gasping for air, he passed in my hands a short while later.
He was quite lethargic before he passed, and I think it was just old age as he was 2. RIP Popcorn

Pebbles82 · 02-16-2021, 04:42 AM

So sorry to hear that. It is very sad but it sounds like it was his time and he passed at home where he felt safe and loved. Play well over the rainbow bridge Popcorn.