Stroke

[Cerval]

I have a 2 year old Syrian Hamster called little girl. She had a crusty eye, so I applied drops given by the Vet and she was fine. However the next morning I noticed that she hadn’t collected any of her food, when I checked on her she was really wobbly and unsteady..I have moved her to her lower level in front of her water. She is eating and drinking all be it with assistance. I just want to know how best to care for her, she hasn’t left her hut yet and this happened two days ago. I have removed her access to the upper levels just in case she does venture out

 

[elusive]

I’m sorry to hear that, it does sound as though she may have had a stroke & it’s not uncommon at that sort of age.
Sometimes they can recover to some extent but not always.
You’ve done the right things to help her but as it’s gone on for two days & she hasn’t left her house I think it would be best to go back to the vet & get their opinion, it is possible she may be in pain or there may be something else going on too.

 

[Maz]

So sorry to hear this. It sounds like she’s still coming out if you’re able to help her eat and drink. Sometimes they can start to recover from this and improve. Other times they stay the same and need extra care.

If you have a cage with levels in them it’s best to remove them completely now.

Has her eye cleared up?

I would observe her over the next day or so. I’m not sure a vet could do very much to be honest and it might be better to just give her a bit of time. If you think she is in pain though then taking her to the vet would be the thing to do.

Signs of pain are usually sitting hunched and you can sometimes tell by behaviour as well. If it’s a stroke she likely doesn’t have pain from it.

 

[Cerval]

Thank you all! Her eye has cleared up nicely, I’m not sure if her reluctance to move is due to the fact that she’s scared/confused about her wobbly state. She’s never been very vocal but she isn’t making any sounds of distress when I handle her although I’m trying not to handle her at the moment apart from helping her steady herself when eating and drinking. I guess my question is how long do I give her to recover before I possibly think about helping her pass over the rainbow bridge as her not leaving the nest and just eating and drinking isn’t a good quality of life

 

[Cerval]

If I take her to the vet now their likely answer is going to be to put her to sleep

 

[Socks' Mum]

If she is sleeping peacefully you could wait. If she is restless or uncomfortable, or very incontinent, or constipated, it might be kinder to give her a hand out of pain. Poor little hammy, hopefully she will just go in her sleep when her time comes.

 

[Cerval]

She is very sleepy, she’s not restless and show any signs of pain. Thank you, I think I’ll let her rest up for a week and see how she goes

 

[Socks' Mum]

She is very sleepy, she’s not restless and show any signs of pain. Thank you, I think I’ll let her rest up for a week and see how she goes

I hope things work out OK. Peaceful dreams little one. Wishing you strength.

 

[Maz]

It is difficult. See how she is in the next day or so.

 

[Cerval]

I’d just like to say thank you for all your advice. Little Girl passed away peacefully last night. It’s been hard and very emotional

 

[Maz]

I'm so sorry. It did sound a bit like she might be heading that way. It's hard to tell without seeing them and sometimes they can recover from a stroke. At least she passed peacefully at home and had your love and care. Big hugs for you. She is playing free over the rainbow bridge now.

 

[RainbowBrite]

I am so sorry for your loss. Little Girl was dearly loved.

 

[Socks' Mum]

So sad to hear. You were such a good friend to her and cared for her really well. She knew she was cared for and loved.

 

[Hamster Haven]

So sorry for your loss! It's nice to know she passed away well- cared for.