Help, why are Ares’ ears always flat?

[AliStrix3]

Hi everyone! I have a one year old Syrian hamster and lately i’ve noticed his ears are always flat, which is supposed to be a syntom of pain or fear. But he eats regularly, runs on his wheel, his habitat is appropriate, there’s nothing strange about his behaviour and he’s not shy either. A month ago we went to the vet for another reason and were told he’s in perfect health, but this ear thing has been really bothering me. Does anyone know what it could be?
Thank u for your help :>

 

[Maz]

Hello. It’s normal for their ears to be down if they have just woken up and are still a bit sleepy . It can take a bit of coming round before they go up. Could it be that? Is this a recent thing or has he always been like that?

 

[AliStrix3]

Hi Thanks for answering! It’s not that unfortunately, they are just always down, even if he’s been awake for a while. I haven’t seen his ears up in some time, maybe a few weeks, and before they used to be raised normally

 

[Maz]

Hmm. Something might be bothering him then. Is there anything that could be scaring him or making him nervous? New dog or cat? How often do you clean his cage out? That can affect then if it’s a bit too regular.

Other than that then yes it’s possible he has pain - even if the vet didn’t see anything. If you rule everything else out it could be worth seeing the vet again and asking to try him on Metacam (pain relief - it’s the equivalent of ibuprofen for humans.)

I’ll wait to hear about his cleaning routine first . Also do you have a photo of his set up? Sometimes things in their set up can affect them.

 

[AliStrix3]

No new pets in the house. I’m taking him to the vet today, we’ll see what they say. I’ll keep you updated

 

[Maz]

Let us know how you get on. I would ask them to give you Meloxicam (various different brand names) to try to see if it improves anything. It's possible he might also have an infection somewhere.