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Hamster Keeps Falling Over


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.

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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


Kianeu, 18 March 2021

I've just lost my daughter's hamster we only had her 2 weeks she was fine in the morning gone by the evening she was walking in circles her spine arched up it was heartbreaking I took her to the vet who charged me a fortune but had no idea, she had painkillers when she passed so that's something ???? anyone any advice as to what happened her stools were normal she was mega active up until that evening, I have videos of her behavious


Jan, 2 May 2020

My hamster falls over and rolls over when walks. Often just lays in tube