We all dream of raising healthy and happy hamsters that grow well without glitches. However, sometimes life happens and the reality can be different. Whether you ordered from a pet store such as Petsmart or adopted one from an animal welfare charity, ending up with a hammy battling a few health challenges is always possible.
This can lead to anxiety as a hamster parent especially when you’re unaware of what is wrong with your favorite buddy and how you can help. Lots of questions can pop up in the head, keeping you awake at night while your hamster continues to show no signs of improvement.
Does my Hamster have Down’s syndrome? A hamster with a strange-shaped head, slanted eyes, and underweight may be suffering from Down’s syndrome. Sometimes, a Down’s syndrome stricken hamster may show additional signs such as blindness or even the lack of teeth or paws.
Taking your hamster to a trusted vet is the first course of action when you notice something may be wrong with him. If your attention is drawn to any of these signs at the pet store or animal charity, you can get a confirmation of the hamster’s condition from the store attendant or manager before taking your new pet home.
There’s a good chance that the hamster may have been examined by a vet at the pet store or charity and officially diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome or any existing health conditions.
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Does My Hamster Have Down’s Syndrome?
Sometimes, Down’s syndrome signs may be subtle and can take some time before they become evident. In other instances, the signs of the condition may be more pronounced from day one which can set you on the path towards seeking answers much earlier.
Either way, there could be several underlying reasons why a hamster may not look normal and an official diagnosis from a vet can help confirm whether it is Down’s Syndrome or something else.
Do not self-diagnose the little guy with Down’s syndrome or another health condition until your Vet gives a diagnosis.
What is Down’s Syndrome?
Down’s Syndrome is a condition where an animal is born with an extra chromosome. This can lead to the development of several birth defects that can hinder the normal functioning of the affected animal.
Down’s Syndrome may also occur in dogs, cats, and even humans. According to the CDC, 6000 human babies in the US are born with the condition every year.
What Causes Down’s Syndrome in Hamsters
Down’s Syndrome is a genetic disorder and a hamster born with the condition typically has one or both parents carrying the gene. Elderly hamsters are more likely to give birth to babies with Down’s syndrome compared to females at the peak of their fertility cycles.
Also, ingestion of toxic chemicals such as glue or paint by pregnant hamsters can lead to offspring that exhibit Down’s Syndrome-like symptoms. Trauma during pregnancy may be another leading cause of defective babies in hamsters.
Can Hamsters Get Down’s Syndrome?
While Down’s syndrome has long been associated with larger pets such as dogs, studies have shown that it can occur in small rodents including hamsters. Research by Australian Scientists published in 1966 found the presence of the Down’s syndrome virus in Syrian hamsters.
This makes it more imperative to speak to an exotics vet as soon as possible when symptoms of Down’s Syndrome become apparent in your cute furball.
7 Common Signs of Down’s Syndrome in Hamsters
There are a few signs that can portray that a hamster may be suffering from Down’s syndrome and needs urgent help. A couple of the most common clues associated with the peculiar condition include:
- Craniofacial abnormalities
- Slanted eyes
- Satin coat
- Stunted growth
- Dental problems and even missing teeth
- Missing or abnormal shaped paws
- Blindness
What to Feed a Hamster With Down’s Syndrome
Feeding and caring for hamsters diagnosed with Down’s syndrome can be a challenge for even the most experienced hamster parents. Often, many of us are torn between making specialized homemade diets or buying commercial feeds for our sick pets.
Fortunately, a high protein diet can be a great way to keep hamsters with Down’s Syndrome growing relatively well. Even though the results may not match other ‘normal’ hamsters, growth can at least be consistent.
For the best results, look out for commercial diets that contain approximately 20 percent protein. Calcium supplements can also be a great addition to the sick hamster’s nutrition base as long as they’re supplied in moderation.
Additionally, avoid sugary foods such as pineapples or peas as they can make the sick hamsters more prone to diabetes and even more health challenges. The last thing you’d want to do is offer any food that compounds your sick pocket rodent’s health problems in the short or long term.
Other Reasons Why Your Hamster May Be Showing Birth Defects
Down’s Syndrome is a leading cause of defective babies. But the presence of birth defects does not always guarantee that a hamster is suffering from this serious genetic condition. In-breeding is another major cause of abnormalities, especially in hamsters purchased from less reputable breeders.
In-breeding occurs when two genetically related hamsters mate to achieve a successful pregnancy . The result is offspring showing a wide range of physical abnormalities including:
- Craniofacial deformities
- Teeth problems
- Missing vital body parts such as paws
- Growth defects
- Blindness
Can Down’s Syndrome Cause Death in Hamsters?
Regardless of the quality of care offered to hamsters with Down’s Syndrome, the overall toll on their health almost always results in shorter lifespans. If your hamster has been diagnosed with this genetic condition, you can expect that he’ll not live as long as his peers of the same breed.
Nevertheless, show as much love and care for your adorable hammy regardless of the health challenges he may be facing. After all, sick hamsters deserve as much love as healthy ones, if not more.
Should Your Down’s Syndrome Hamster Be Euthanized?
Caring for a hamster stricken with Down’s syndrome or any medical condition resulting in birth defects is no child’s play. Apart from the special care and attention required by these animals, it can often be heartbreaking watching the sick hamster in discomfort as the days roll by regardless of your efforts to make his life more comfortable.
The temptation to get him euthanized can be high. However, most hamsters with birth defects are able to live meaningful and fairly happy lives as long as they receive the necessary level of care.
Unless your hamster is showing signs of constant discomfort which seems to be interfering with his ability to live, euthanasia may not be the best idea. However, if you decide to go down that route for any reason, make sure he’s put down humanely by a vet.
Conclusion: Does My Hamster Have Down’s Syndrome
Signs of Down’s Syndrome in hamsters include craniofacial defects, stunted growth, and slanted eyes. If your hamster is showing any of these signs alongside other more pronounced birth defects, it is possible that he may be suffering from the condition.
Taking the pocket rodent to your vet is the best way to get a conclusive diagnosis of your hamster’s condition. After all, any of these physical signs may just be a result of poor breeding practices by unscrupulous breeders.
Either way, provide adequate care for your hamster if any signs of birth defects become evident. From a healthy diet to providing the right treatment, hamsters diagnosed with Down’s syndrome can live fairly productive and happy lives.