Hamsters

Question
My sister's hamster is acting weird. She's laying on her back with her paws up in the air and she's breathing at odd intervals. So when ever she breathes, her bottom legs shake. We're all worried. Thanks for reading.

Answer
Kasey,
I am not a hamster expert. I realize the vets are on vacation but I have a link to Heather and she is the hamster expert here.

http://www.allexperts.com/ep/2005-34607/Gerbils-Hamsters/Heather.htm

But I can tell you that anytime a hamster or any animal is on it's back like this the end might be near. You didn't say how old this hammy was but they only live 1-2 yrs.
She may be dying of old age at this point.

Sorry, but that is a good possibility. You may want to write to Heather and ask her more.