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If hamster is having problems with balance and keeps stumbling and falling over, it is suffering from a problem with its vestibular system. The vestibular system is the mechanism within the inner ear and brain that helps mammals - including us - keep balance.
A hamster suffering such a condition will tilt its head to one side and wobble as it walks. The problem will usually lie in the ear part of the vestibular system, an infection or tumor (although brain damage is sometimes the cause). Ear infections can usually be treated by a vet with a course of antibiotics. A more serious problem such as a tumor will be more difficult to treat. The first thing you must do in any case of an off-balance hamster is consult the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
A hamster who's unsteady on his feet could be suffering an ear infection
Another cause could be that your hamster is suffering from a stroke. If he sways as he walks, tilts his head a lot, or walks in circles, these are all clues that he might have recently suffered a stroke. Strokes can have minor and major effects, depending on the severity of the attack, but the effects of even quite severe strokes wear off with time, usually. Check with a vet for advice.
Comments
Ashley, 7 March 2024
So my hamster was perfectly fine. I was in a chair. I was checking on the hamster and he kept falling over when he walked. I noticed blood on his butt. His fur looks wet and he’s breathing fast. I don’t know what’s wrong.
Elizabeth, 5 October 2023
My 2 and half year hamster keeps falling over when he tries to walk
Anna, 14 March 2022
My daughter's hamster hasn't been cleaning herself very well and there is a odor, it's not wet tail because it's been going on for about 2 wks now. We have been cleaning her ourselves every evening but now I've noticed her left front leg is swollen and she is very unsteady when she walks...Any suggestions or ideas of what may be going on??? She's a little over 2 yrs old....
Abigail, 5 December 2021
I had just got home from hanging out with my friends and my sister brings my hamster to me and he can walk but he’s kind of limping a little and he just gradually got worse and now it’s really hard for him to walk or lift his head but he can open his eyes sort of drag himself and can pee and poo I’m really not sure what’s wrong and it’s upsetting
Gabby, 1 May 2021
My hamster is 3 but for bast few days shes been shaking and not being as active as she normally is we spoke to the vet and they just said it's old age, she wont eat and will only drink when shes helped is this because shes old or could there be something else