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Old 08-28-2018, 10:50 AM   #1
Abijones
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Default Syrian with humped back and weight loss

Maple our Syrian hamster has developed a humped back and seems to have lost weight, but she is still very active. Is this just a sign of old age? She’s about 20 months old.
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Old 08-28-2018, 11:25 AM   #2
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Syrian with humped back and weight loss

It sounds like she needs a visit to a vet quite urgently. A hunched back is a sign of them being in a fair bit of pain. She is at an age where old age begins but not very old. Have you checked her teeth? Sometimes their teeth can get too long so they can't eat and that could be painful (they can even grow through the roof of the mouth if they get too long). If her teeth are ok it sounds like it could be something else. Losing weight is normal when they get older but it depends how much. But do take her to a vet for a diagnosis xxx At the very least they will be able to prescribe some medication for pain relief - if her teeth are a problem they can trim them or burr them.
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Old 08-28-2018, 11:27 AM   #3
Drago
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Default Re: Syrian with humped back and weight loss

A humped back is typically an illusion; with the real issue being that she’s hunched over. It could be a sign of aging, but to be honest, 20 months is fairly young for a Syrian to be that aged. She may be feeling ill, especially given that she’s lost weight. Do you have any pictures of her? Seeing those could help us to recommend the best course of action. I however, would highly recommend you see a vet anyways. Hunching over is never really a good sign in rodents.
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Old 08-28-2018, 11:33 AM   #4
Abijones
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Default Re: Syrian with humped back and weight loss

I’ll get a photo of her when she comes out later. The thing is she doesn’t seem unwell, she just looks slimmer and the hump back may just be that her back is more prominent because of weight loss. She lives in my daughters room normally so I don’t see a lot of her so am not sure how long she’s looked like this. But my daughter says that every night she goes on her wheel and climbs around her cage, hangs upside down doing the monkey bar thing.
I’ve brought her downstairs so I can observe her this evening.
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Old 08-28-2018, 11:49 AM   #5
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Default Re: Syrian with humped back and weight loss

It’s good to hear she’s still pretty active. Monitor her closely though. Make sure she’s getting food, water, etc. I still urge you to consult a vet, as I’ve had some pretty bad experiences with bacterial infections in rodents, all having the symptom of prominent hunching. The photo will help whenever it’s most convenient
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Old 08-28-2018, 11:23 PM   #6
Abijones
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Default Re: Syrian with humped back and weight loss

A few pics, not easy to get as she wouldn’t stay still!
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Old 08-29-2018, 01:40 AM   #7
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Syrian with humped back and weight loss

I can’t tell from photos well but do think any change or weight loss could do with a vet check with an exotic vet. General vets don’t know that much about hamsters often. If you google exotic vets in the area there is usually one not far away and they tend to be good with diagnosing hamsters effectively
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Old 08-29-2018, 02:51 AM   #8
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Default Re: Syrian with humped back and weight loss

I have to agree with Serendipity - a vet is really the best option right now. It is hard to tell much from the pictures, but from what I can see, I am a bit concerned. It’s a shame vetective’s site seems to be defunct, it was a great tool for finding exotic vets. I recommend simply googling exotic vets in your area, and seeing what you can find. Best of luck with your little one.
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Old 08-29-2018, 12:38 PM   #9
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Default Re: Syrian with humped back and weight loss

Hi Abi,
From the photos you posted it does look like it's her body that's hunched over when she moves more than her back so she could be feeling uncomfortable or unwell. When my Syrian was over the age of 2 he got a very pronounced hump on his back but it was most visible when he was sitting upright rather than moving. He also developed several health issues as he aged so this probably contributed as well but Maple is not quite at that age yet so like the others have said its probably best to take her to the vets for a checkup.
Hope all goes well for your little one.
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Last edited by Hammy992; 08-29-2018 at 12:48 PM.
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Old 08-31-2018, 02:11 PM   #10
Abijones
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Default Re: Syrian with humped back and weight loss

Well we still don’t know what’s happening with her but she’s now on Baytril and metacalm as she has labourered breathing. But she’s still active and seems happy enough, fingers crossed she will get over whatever is causing her discomfort .
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