Lopsided Hamster?!

[Hrimfaxi]

We've got a hamster who we cleaned out earlier today, she seemed her usual self, all was fine.

I return home today and find she's walking with a noticeable lean. Head is tilted and front right leg/should is also tilted to one side like an old Citroen with leaky suspension...

However, seems pretty lively otherwise.

Quick google pulls up a possible ear infection or even a stroke!?

Any rodent experts on PH?

Either that, or she's been at the Cognac.

[rosie11]

How old is she?

[Hrimfaxi]

rosie11 said:

How old is she?

About 18 months.

[bexVN]

Most likely one of the above that you mentioned. Vets tom am (if it wasn't Sun pm I'd say tonight unless cost not a concern) They may be able to help with antibiotics or steroids.

Stroke may recover on own but still needs vet assessment to know.

Sadly 18mths is getting on but that's no reason not to treat.

[Hrimfaxi]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm letting her rest at the moment, but getting very worried as it seems to have shifted from the right side, to the left. She still seems very alert - ears high, bright eyes, whiskers going like the clappers...etc, so that's a good sign.

Can anything in particular kick off a stroke? Possibly a daft question.

18 months is getting on a little bit in hamster terms I know, but this one is our 6th hamster and the so far the earliest to start showing any forms of problems.

[bexVN]

No, it just happens, no trigger. I had a Russian hamster suffer a severe one. Was fine when I got home from work, 2 hrs later he was rolling over couldn't stand etc, he was severe and didn't make it.

[Hrimfaxi]

Sorry to hear that, sounds awful how quickly it happens.

I've removed most of the play ladders and other stuff she can potentially fall off due her balance being squiffy. I wish she'd just rest herself really, but she's currently pretty active around her cage, as they generally are this time of night.

[bexVN]

That's sensible, it's good that she is bright. Hopefully she won't get worse and may even stabilise/improve a bit, then can find out what is wrong tom.

[Hrimfaxi]

Well I've arrived home from work earlier and found her digging about and making a mess - normal then! Massive relief! Balance seems to have been regained.

We're keeping an eye on her still, she how she goes.

[bexVN]

That's fantastic . Also think she's been a lucky hammy. Hope she doesn't get any relapses, saved you a trip to the vets which is good! Has left me wondering what it could've been though!

[Hrimfaxi]

I think so!

Although watching her throughout the night, she doesn't seem to be quite herself - a little bit more sleepy than usual.

We was thinking about possibly attempting to hibernate, but has no real reason to. It's a interesting one for sure..

[bexVN]

It does seem they can recover quickly from a stroke if not too severe initially but may have some subtle longer after affects (and may age her a bit quicker)

Hibernation crossed my mind but initial symptoms weren't right but I suppose she maybe tempted to hibernate due to her episode.