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Ask Linda Simmon Your Own Question
Linda Simmon
Linda Simmon, Veterinarian
Category: Vet
Satisfied Customers: 7623
Experience:  MVB MRCVS
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My hamster is dragging his back legs and keeps falling over.

Customer Question

My hamster is dragging his back legs and keeps falling over. He’s generally acting not himself.
JA: I'll do all I can to help. Do the hamster's eyes move from side to side? Or do they stay focused straight ahead?
Customer: It’s hard to tell, I think they’re straight ahead
JA: When was the hamster last seen by a vet?
Customer: I only got him 3 months ago, he’s young. Hasn’t seen a vet before.
JA: And what's the hamster's name and age?
Customer: Pamela, 5 months old
JA: Is there anything else the Vet should know about Pamela?
Customer: not that I can think of
Submitted: 15 days ago.
Category: Vet
Linda Simmon
Expert:  Linda Simmon replied 15 days ago.
Hi there, this is Dr Linda, a UK based vet.

I'm sorry to hear this and understand your concern for Pamela.

Is it possible he has fallen from a height?

Or perhaps eaten something toxic?

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Customer: replied 15 days ago.
He definitely hasn’t fallen from height. I am worried he might have eaten something. He usually has the same sunflower seeds and hamster mix, sometimes some carrot. But two days ago I tried giving him some fresh corn on the cob. He didn’t eat much of it, I’m worried I didn’t wash it well enough.
Expert:  Linda Simmon replied 15 days ago.

Thank you.

It would be unlikely this has caused the issue.

Does he have any crusting, wax or redness associated with his ears?

Is he eating and drinking as normal?

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Customer: replied 15 days ago.
No nothing around the ears. I think he is drinking less. I am going to offer him some carrot and see if he takes it. It’s hard to know if he’s eating as he stores his food away in his nest
Expert:  Linda Simmon replied 15 days ago.

Ok, understood.

If it is not an ear infection, we'd consider e.g. toxin build up due to liver or kidney disease, an infection of the central nervous system, a brain tumour etc.

A vet check is sensible as he may benefit from e.g. antibiotics and anti inflammatories.

At home, I'd start syringing with Oxbow Critical Care if there's a chancer Pamela is not eating as much as normal.

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Customer: replied 15 days ago.
Ok that’s all clear. Thank you for your help
Expert:  Linda Simmon replied 15 days ago.

Not at all and wishing Pamela all the very best.

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