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About Sheila Adby
Expertise
Syrian hamsters are my specialty, however, I have kept Campbells,Winter Whites and gerbils in the past. I can advise on most subjects associated with hamsters, including housing, bedding, feeding, handling, new borns and catching escapees. I have had some experience of various health problems with hamsters and can offer my opinion and advice on basic health issues, however I am not a qualified vet and therefore cannot recommend drugs etc. My website is www.thehamstersite.com

Experience
I have been keeping hamsters and other small animals for more than 12 years. My favourites are Syrian hamsters and I foster litters and 'difficult' hamsters for a rescue centre. My job is to tame hamsters ready for re-homing, which is extremely rewarding. I also enjoy looking after new litters and raising the pups. I have co-written a book on hamsters with my local vet and have a website: www.thehamstersite.com

Publications
Hamsters in Sickness and in Health - Sheila Adby and Dan O'Neill ISBN186163218-5 (Capall Bann Publishing)

Education/Credentials
Educated to A Level standard in the UK.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Exotic Pets > Gerbils & Hamsters > i have a russian dwarf hamster

Gerbils & Hamsters - i have a russian dwarf hamster

Expert: Sheila Adby - 10/29/2009

Question
my Russian dwarf hamster is nearer enough 2 yrs old and she has had allot of litters of babies after her 8 we decided to split them because it was getting to much for her after a while my girl hamster started getting thinner and we made sure her food bowl was filled every single day so she never goes hungry she seems to be dragging her back leg around when she is walking and last night i checked in her cage and i picked her up and she always lies on her back like a little baby and she was moving her head and i noticed she had a bald patch underneath he head and on her legs im scared is she dieing or do i need to take her to a vet x thank you for the answer(when you answer)

Answer
Hi Becky

I'm sorry to hear about your hamster - it does sound as though there is something wrong with her. Hamsters of this age are very prone to getting tumors and it could be that she has an abdominal one that is putting pressure on her spine/legs. There could be other explanations, and I therefore feel that a vet should check her out. You might find it is something that can be treated, however, if the vet discovers it is a tumor they may suggest euthanasia so that she doesn't suffer at all.

I do hope you get on Ok and you find this is treatable.

Regards

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