Hamster is sleeping too much? Or is it old age?

Question
I got my Syrian, in February 2009. She wasn't very old in the Pet store I was told that she hadn't even been there 24 hours yet. She was very tiny so quite young.

She used to be very energetic-more like a little psycho really. Up until recently she was awake by seven thirty and up pretty much all night on her wheel (and I do mean all night.).

However this month she hasn't been as active. I thought at first it was the heart but the last few days haven't been very hot at all-maybe 15 degrees. Maybe.  She pretty much just sleeps all night now and I'm just concerned is all. I'm wondering if its just old age?  She has next to zero interest in her ball (which she'd marry if she had the chance) or her wheel. She is only active if I let her run about freely without either of the other two options.

If its old age, what can I expect in terms of her energy levels now? Should I be worried. I lost a  in February 2010 and I'm really paranoid now about my hamster being next.  Any help you can give me on what I should expect if its old age, or if this behavior might just be a phase she's going through?  

Also, she used to poop in her ball and now that she isn't active I'm not sure if this will affect her. I haven't seen many droppings in her cage but she sometimes doe she business in her plastic house (we clean that weekly). If she's constipated would that affect her energy level for any reason?

Sorry if this seems silly but I worry about her a lot.

Answer
Hi Lesleigh

sorry to hear that your hamster isn't her usual self.

The average life span of a Syrian is 18 months - 2 1/2 years.  Around the time they reach 18 months often they do show signs of old age.  This can include slowing down, sleeping more etc. What is her fur like?  is it in good condition, or is it thinning, or dry?

If you think she might be constipated, then the best thing is to give her some lettuce (not too much, as it causes diarrhoea, but it might help her if there is a problem). Constipation is serious so it is worth checking and keeping an eye on her and if necessary consult a vet if you think she is suffering from it.

It is worth checking her to see if her abdomen is swollen at all.  Has she changed shape lately - into more of a 'pear shape'?  Hamsters are very prone to getting tumors and if they have abdominal ones they can appear to lose weight of the tope half and go 'pear shaped' on the bottom half.  It would be worth keeping an open for something like this.  In these cases the hamster often becomes less active, drinks a lot of water and in serious cases you might see blood/pus coming out of rear end (which is serious and needs veterinary attention).

Is she eating properly?  Have you checked her teeth lately to make sure they are not overgrown?

It could just be that she is slowing down - sometimes they do change their usual habits so it is difficult to know if something is wrong.

Things to look out for is a change in bowel movement, excessive drinking of water, not wanting to eat etc.  In these cases it would be worth getting someone to check her out.

If you want to come back to me with any other symptoms she might be showing I might be able to suggest what else could be wrong.

regards
Sheila