Answer

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear that this has happened to a young and otherwise healthy hamster. Hamsters can have strokes. The fact that your hamster's feet are turning purple may indicate a circulatory problem. If a hamster is going to recover from a stroke, it usually shows some improvement within three weeks. As long as your hamster is acting all right, you can wait and see what happens. If she has trouble eating or drinking, you can hand feed and water her. You can read more about strokes in hamsters on this page:

http://www.hamsterific.com/IllnessGuide.cfm#Stroke

Another common cause of paralysis is called "cage paralysis." It often occurs when a hamster is kept in a small cage, or doesn't get enough exercise for other reasons. Vitamin deficiencies may be involved, as well. If you choose to give your hamster vitamins, don't put them in the water bottle. That just makes the water taste bad, and your hamster may not drink enough. You can read more about cage paralysis here:

http://www.hamsterific.com/IllnessGuide.cfm#CageParalysis

If your hamster shows no improvement within a couple of weeks, or if she seems to be in pain, or if her legs and feet swell, then it may be time to consider euthanasia.

If you have further questions, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope your hamster is able to recover.

Anna

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