Accepted Answer

Hello,

There are many different reasons that this sort of paralysis sets in. An injury would be most likely in a hamster this age. It's possible that she fell during her time out of the cage. An injury to the spinal cord, the pelvis, or the legs can result in a hamster dragging its legs. The carpet-eating may or may not be related. If it caused a blockage that is putting pressure on the spinal cord, it could result in paralysis. Nutritional deficiencies can also cause paralysis, but if you're feeding a good commercial food, that isn't likely. Many of the other conditions, such as strokes and tumors affect mostly older hamsters, although they are not impossible in a young hamster.

A less common cause is an infection with the campylobacter bacteria. This bacteria usually causes a case of diarrhea first. It is possible that your hamster was infected at the pet store and wastreated there before you ever bought them. After the original symptoms have subsided, the bacteria can cause the body to turn on itself, attacking nerve fibers. The result is paralysis in one or both back legs. Treatment is with a prescription antibiotic, such as Baytril, for 10 days. Pet store antibiotics are not effective. There is no test to determine if this bacteria has caused the problem. If it is suspected, a vet will simply treat for it. Without treatment, the illness often gets worse. You can read more about campylobacter here:

http://www.hammysworld.com/index.php?p=hindlegparalysis

There is also a genetic defect in some lines of hamsters that causes the covering of nerve cells, called the myelin sheath, to be destroyed. The nerve impulses then cannot travel correctly, and paralysis results. In some hamsters, the disorder never progresses beyond back leg paralysis. Those hamsters are able to get around and live fairly normal lives. In others, the disease progresses, eventually resulting in paralysis of one side, and then death. There is no treatment. There are other metabolic and inherited conditions that could also be responsible, but they also cannot be treated.

Regardless of the cause, remove all toys from the cage and restrict your hamster to one level to lower the risk of further injuries. Make sure she can reach her food and water. I recommend having a vet examine the hamster. X-rays may help determine the cause of the problem. If there are no injuries, the vet may want to provide a ten day course of Baytril in case infection is responsible. These links will take you to directories of vets who treat rats, and would also be good with hamsters:

http://www.rmca.org/Vets/index.php?action=list

http://www.ratfanclub.org/vetref.html

If you have more questions, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope your hamster will reach a full recovery.

Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	11/4/2009

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant