Spinning Hamster

[heidii]

Hi, sorry Engel I think I forgot to post the reply that I had all written up. Maybe a stroke or stargazers? Not too sure. The closest he'd do to a backflip is when he was in his old cage with the smaller wheel, would go flying off it and land somewhere else.

See, I can't see it being an ear infection. He used to spin like mad before, but then settled after I had him for a bit. Now I watch him throughout the day & he seems absolutely fine. Not much (if any at all) spinning. At the night, however, he could spin for hours. So, if he's fine for most of the day (he wakes quite early, at about 6-7pm maybe), can the ear infection really only affect him at night??

From the thread I made for Pico when I first got him, everyone was pretty certain the spinning was stress related, and I thought vets may not be the best thing? Especially since he did stop relatively soon after. I could take him if you think that's something that would help, I just don't believe it's really something they can medicate for if it's a night time only activity.

[Engel]

While there may not be anything the vets could give, (except metacam if they believe it's related to a stroke and Pico is potentially having mini strokes which make him worse from time to time), a check wouldn't hurt and will just rule things out for certain. I think you mentioned you have a hamster savvy vet in your area so it may be something that they may have heard/seen before.

I have heard of hamsters spinning with stargazers, only problem is the people who knew more about it were on the hamster hideout forum which is now closed down.

While you may not see it, a head tilt caused by a nasty ear infection from before you had him can cause circling. Head tilts can be very slight but a lot of animals seem to adapt ok to the tilt and don't circle as severely as you're describing from what I know.

My one syrian, Ghost, had a stroke and he spun and rolled in one direction. It'd settle for an hour then it'd get worse again (he died as a result of it as it was very severe).

What may be useful is you videoing Pico spinning so when you see the vet, you can show them exactly what you mean. However, don't be surprised if they mention strokes or neurological issues. They may talk to you about euthanasia as there may question quality of life so may need to prepare yourself for that. Over the next few days really watch him and think about his quality of life, not just can he eat or drink, can he live a full life. I have got a quality of life checklist somewhere which I often refer to and can be adapted to many species. I can share it if you are interested, especially as you now run a rescue.

[Pebbles82]

I am not an expert in this. It occurred to me though that if he's only spinning at night, that could be because he's asleep during the day? If that doesn't sound to obvious!

I think it would need to be an exotic vet who is aware of such things - and many aren't. But they could rule out infection with a course of antibiotics - usually a fairly standard first trial.

[heidii]

Thanks for your responses.
Pico has passed away today, so I suppose this thread isn't much use to him now. Thank you for your advice, though.

[Pebbles82]

So sorry to hear that.

[Engel]

I'm sorry to hear about Pico. Run free little one.

[flowerfairy]

So sorry for your loss. He was lucky to have had time with such an understanding and caring person to look after him. PIP Pico.

[Stanza]

So sorry to hear of your loss. Run free over the rainbow bridge little Pico. Sending caring thoughts your way Heidii.

[heidii]

Thank you everyone. Just got round to sanitising all of his wooden things. Can you sanitise a coconut hide in the oven, like wooden things, or would the fibres catch on fire? It was his favourite thing, so even if I can't sanitise it I think I may just keep it elsewhere.

[cloudy]

That is such a beautiful picture of Pico. He was so happy living with you. I hope you are okay.