Back legs not moving so well

[Moe]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum and am glad to have found you. I am writing re: my daughter's adorable 1 1/2 year old russian dwarf hamster, Fluffy (F). I took her to the vets this week as she was'nt able to walk with her hind legs and was just flopping about. She also had pretty swollen and red paws. I have been giving her pain killer and anti-biotic and she was treted for mites and is doign much better , swelling and redness is gone, but she is now waddling and still unable to properly walk. Nothing is broken and x-rays showed that her femur bones didn't look "quite right" - like they were not developed fully. Prior to this- she's been fine.

I've been told to clear her cage of anything she could attempt to cimb, and she justs rests in 1 or 2 corners . Anyone else had this problem? Anyone else given homeppathic medicine to a hamster (arnica, perhaps?) And what about diet in this case?

Thanks for your help!
Moe

[souffle]

Hi Moe
I'm sorry to hear about Fluffy. She is quite a good age for a hamster and will be showing signs of age related illness of which arthritis is one. If her bones are not quite right then there may have been some rubbing together of the joints which has caused her to develop this. Unfortunatly it cannot be cured as in humans however hamsters do respond well to a daily dose of metacam which helps reduce inflammation so that may be worth a try.
She could also have had a slight stroke and since she seems to have come through this hamsters often make a good recovery though they do not always regain their full prior limb mobility. Watch that she is still able to wee and poo OK and also groom as they can get a bit sore if the cannot clean themselves.
Homeopathic remedies can be used but really need prescribed by a homeopathic vet and I have found them no substitute for conventional medication although they can help used alongside.
If she has had antibiotics I would suggest some probiotics to repopulate the bowel and boost the immune system. Either Avipro or ProC powder (from P@H) are good.
You can also add some drops of something like cod liver oil to her food though some hammies don't like this. Additional linseed and a millet spray or ever some Trill budgie seed provide seeds with some good oil content which can help with arthritis.
I hope she improves and we can meet her soon

[Teal]

Sounds Terrible! Sorry I can't help

Teal/Phillip.

[trier]

he is eating and drinking but only with my help he drags his back legs pls help

[souffle]

Hello Trier
You need to take your hamster to the vet. It sounds as if he has had a stroke or has fallen and hurt his spine which has caused his back end paralysis. Because he is likely unable to wee or poo this will be hurting him.
It may be that your little one needs help to get to the bridge but please, please get him seen by a vet x

[anorak]

So sad Good luck.