Help! Hamster squealing and convulsing

Foreverham · 11-12-2014, 03:18 AM

I'm currently in the process of trying to get an appointment at the vets, so this is just complimentary to that. I need advice/ideas/help as soon as possible because the vet is taking ages.

Last night my hamster was sleeping happily in his house when suddenly I hear him squeal, sounding a bit like a pig. I immediately picked him up to see what happened, but he seemed fine, so I put him on my belly and he fell asleep again. About a minute later, he suddenly squealed again, and this time I saw him leap/backflip into the air as he squealed, and then, yet again, went back to normal. I was really worried so I put him back into his cage to let him calm down, but he continued to squeal/backflip uncontrollably every 30ish seconds for the next 10 or 15 minutes, seeming completely unaware that he was doing it and going back to his business after each convulsion.

What on Earth could be happening? Is it a sort of seizure or a reaction to pain that comes in waves? What should I do if this happens again? Please help in the mean time before I can get to a vet!

**DrKMcK** · 11-12-2014, 03:30 AM

Hello Forever ham. I am sorry your hammy is scaring you like that. It is unusual behavior, so I am glad you are taking him to the vet. There really is nothing you can do on your own except to just monitor him so you can tell the vet what you observe. This sounds like some kind of neurological issue with the back flipping. I hope you can get in to the vet soon. Is this little one a dwarf hammy?

Foreverham · 11-12-2014, 03:34 AM

Hi, thanks for your response. He's a syrian and he's quite young, I only got him a few weeks ago... I really hope it is that he's itchy/uncomfortable or something that is really easily treatable!

cypher · 11-12-2014, 03:35 AM

So sorry this is happening, as DrK says there isn't much you can do but observe your ham right now, also try to make sure there's nothing in his cage that might hurt him if he hits it when he back flips. If this is the same ham as the one that was sleeping so deeply I would mention that to the vet too as it could possibly be related if there is some kind of neurological issue.
I really hope you can get to the vet soon & they can help your ham.
Let us know how it goes.

Foreverham · 11-12-2014, 03:41 AM

Thanks for your response! Yes this is the same ham who was sleeping deeply, I will mention it to the vet. I also feel like he might be sleeping more and more lately and less active (I haven't seen him run on the wheel in a few days). ):

cypher · 11-12-2014, 03:43 AM

I don't know about you but I tend to forget things when I'm upset by things so maybe make a list of any changes or symptoms you can think of before you go.
Good luck.

Foreverham · 11-12-2014, 03:44 AM

Hmm yes you're right, will do! Thank you so much

Foreverham · 11-12-2014, 04:38 AM

**UPDATE**
I've discovered a very long, hard poo in his bedding which is extremely unusual and, when I broke it open to take a look (yes I am that dedicated, ew, haha) it seems like he's been eating his soft bedding and it's been blocking his guts up! I think this could be the reason behind his discomfort / pain.
Does anyone have any advice on how I can safely help his constipation? (aside from removing the bedding which I have done at once).

ham888 · 11-12-2014, 04:52 AM

Was this fluffy / cotton-wool like bedding? If so it's very dangerous and glad you got rid. I would still take him to the vet to get checked out in case there's any more in his guts. Good luck. Take the poo sample with you too.

**DrKMcK** · 11-12-2014, 04:54 AM

I wouldn't do anything until the vet sees him. Let the vet know about the bedding too.