Hamster falling over

32 replies

susue · 14/02/2009 14:14

In the last few days my hamster, Molly, has been quieter and wasn't bothered about going in her ball which she loves doing. Last night she was still quiet and a bit slow moving. Today she keeps falling over and losing her balance so I've moved her bed down on to the ground floor and taken the ladder away. She doesn't seem to be in pain and isn't making any unusual noises and so after a big cuddle she has gone back to her cage. So I need to know what's wrong with her. Do Hamsters have strokes like humans? Could it be a brain thing gone wrong or what? She's only about 18 months old and my hamsters usually live until they're 3 so I don't know if this is a symptom of old age as well. My others just got slow and bald and just slept more they didn't do this. Ta for any info

OP posts:

mumofjust1 · 14/09/2012 20:54

We had a huge Syrian hamster called Columbus - she was gorgeous!

She lived til she was about 3, and one morning when I got up she was staggering and very very shaky Took her to the vet who said that given the state of her, her age and the fact he thought she was in pain, the kindest thing would be to have her pts. I stayed with her and cried my eyes out

2bad · 15/09/2012 00:29

Hi I have a Syrian hamster called skip, he's 14 months old, he's lost a lot of weight and he's not pooping and he's weak and he's not playing around his cage anymore, could anyone know what's wrong with him, I love my skip so much, I was thinking of takin him 2 the vets in the morning, its breaking my heart seeing him like this please please reply back if anyone can help

Shelly31100 · 20/09/2016 16:23

I have a hamster he is 2 and half years old i was cleaning him out yesterday and noticed that he was really unsteady on his back legs. He kept losing his balance all wobbling over. He is still eating and drinking normally what should i do any advice very welcome .

CharminglyGawky · 20/09/2016 16:46

Shelley 2 1/2 is a good age for a hammy so sadly he is probably on his way out :(

Make sure he has food and water available to him very very close to his bed in case he can't make it over to the bottle and offer fave foods. If he seems tired and comfortable I'd leave him be as I think the journey to the vets is scary for such a little animal but if he is stressed or unsettled or seems uncomfortable in any way then I'd get him to a vet.

CharminglyGawky · 20/09/2016 16:46

Shelley 2 1/2 is a good age for a hammy so sadly he is probably on his way out :(

BertieBotts · 20/09/2016 16:56

This is the most bizarre multiple thread resurrection I've ever seen!

Sorry about all the poorly hamsters though :(

theinfamousjack · 31/12/2022 20:04

If a hamster is having problems with balance and keeps stumbling and falling over, it is suffering from a problem with its vestibular system. The vestibular system is the mechanism within the inner ear and brain that helps mammals - including us - keep balance.
A hamster suffering from such a condition will tilt its head to one side and wobble as it walks. The problem will usually lie in the ear part of the vestibular system, an infection, or a tumor (although brain damage is sometimes the cause). Ear infections can usually be treated by a vet with a course of antibiotics. A more serious problem such as a tumor will be more difficult to treat. The first thing you must do in any case of an off-balance hamster is consult the vet for diagnosis and treatment.

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