AboutSheila 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.
Question QUESTION: Dear Sheila, I have a Syrian male hamster, two and a half years old, called
Wilfred. He has developed a problem with one of his back legs which is
dragging behind him, paw upside down. May be a fracture, but I'm not aware
of a fall and there's no swelling or bone protrusion. He's getting about okay
..... but rather doddery. He has a large cage and I have taken away the
ladders so that he can't climb. Dan O'Neil was our vet but his expert advice is
no longer available. Do you have any suggestions? I just want to do the right
thing for poor old Wilfie.
Kind regards,
Jill
ANSWER: Hi Jill
Sorry to hear about your hamster.
Judging by his age I would wonder if perhaps he has an abdominal tumor, rather than a fracture. What is his body shape like? Is he quite rounded on the hips? Hamsters are very prone to getting abdominal tumors and as they get bigger they can affect the way a hamster walks, causing them to drag one or both legs. In the event that it is this, then I am afraid that euthanasia is the kindest option. Is there any sign of discharge/blood coming from his rear?
If this is a fracture, then it may heal on its own, but due to his age I wonder if this will be the case. You have done the right thing in trying to eliminate the need for climbing - make sure there is plenty of food and water close by so that he doesn't have to go in search of any.
It could be an arthritic problem, in which case an anti-inflammatory would be needed - these have to be prescribed by vets.
I would strongly advise getting a vet to check out Wilfie, even if the end result is euthanasia.
I'm really sorry that Dan has sold his practice as, to my knowledge, he was the only vet around that knew anything about hamsters. I am currently searching for a good local vet who specialises in small animals, but so far unfortunately I have found no one. Whereabouts are you based?
Hope you get on OK.
Regards
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dear Sheila,
Many thanks for your comprehensive reply. I hadn't thought about a tumour
....... I'll check him more closely this evening. Certainly there is no
blood/discharge or anything like that.
His food (dry + fresh) and water are easy to reach, and as I said he still
quite mobile. Maybe we should see the vet (I'm in Chislehurst by the way). I
will certainly opt for euthanasia if he appears to be suffering; at his age it
would be kindest.
Thanks again for your help.
Jill
Answer Hi Jill
I live in Orpington and would be happy to have a look at him for you as you live so close - I wouldn't be able to treat him as such as I'm not a vet, but I might be able to suggest what the problem is. Let me know if you want to meet up. I work full time, so it would need to be an evening. I can't do tonight as I'm dropping a hamster off to someone, but I would be around tomorrow evening or Friday evening on my way home from work (around 6.30 - 7pm)
If you do want me to pop over, email me your contact details: hamster.lady@virgin.net. If he does deteriorate in the meantime I would advise getting him to a vet asap so that he doesn't suffer.
Sidcup Veterinary surgery stay open until 7pm (no appointment needed between 6.30 and 7pm). They're at the back of the police station.
