Diabetic Dwarf ?

Question
Hi Sheila
I have a Campbell's Dwarf hamster that I adopted from the Humane Society last August, someone didn't want it and didn't know how to look after it and they dropped it off. It has never been a hamster that enjoys being handled, (but who knows what it's been through),it loves to test with it's teeth. I do get her out daily for exercise in a play box, and she will let me pet her now, just don't try to pick her up!  I was just reading an article that caused me some concern. I noticed that ever since I've had her she drinks a fair bit of water...may be up to 1/3 ounce a day. She uses a low sided cat food bowl with sand in it as her litter box and every day it is very well used as far a urine goes. Although I didn't think her drinking was excessive, the article suggests that if a hamster has diabetes it might tend to bite more because it's not feeling well. She is fine otherwise...sleeps...plays and eats normally. I give her a seed mix and I pick out the corn. She doesn't get fruit, or sugar treats but I do give her fresh veggies daily. Her eyes are bright and coat is lovely. If she had diabetes would it be obvious? Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi

Diabetes in Campbells is very common.  The main sign of this is the excessive water drinking and weeing.  You can test for diabetes/raised glucose but asking your vet for a diastix - you put the hamster in a container and wait for her to pee - then test it with the stick and you will be able to see if the glucose level is raised.   This isn't essential as from what you have said it sounds as though this is her problem.

In a lot of Campbells they manage to control the disease.  The main rules are: no sugar what so ever - you are right not to give any fruit or treats - be careful as a lot of treats have honey in them.  Always make sure she has plenty of water to drink - if in doubt - i.e. if you are worried her water bottle might accidentally drain, then put in a second bottle.  It is important to clean her out often as otherwise she could be sick if she is sleeping in wet bedding.

There is a hamster mix you can make up for her - this is a combination of sunflower, linseed, sesame seed and pumpkin seed - if you buy a small packet of each and mix them, then give her a small amount (teaspoonful) a day - this is full of essential fatty acids and helps regulate her sugar.  She needs to eat little and often and this mix I have found does seem to help.  She might put on a lot of weight initially, but if she can get the diabetes under control she should lose the weight.  As she gets better you can reduce this.  Also, give her the usual hamster mix (pick out any fruit pieces), nuts, millet seeds and fresh vegetables.

I have had many hamsters with diabetes and in the majority of cases they go on and live a normal life (occasionally sadly they haven't survived).

With regard to her temperament, Campbells are renowned for being temperamental, especially when they reach adulthood.  Unfortunately, it is just a case of working with her and not giving up.  They do nip sometimes, but the more you try to handle her and get her to feel confident with you, the better chance you have of snapping her out of this behavior.

Good luck with this.

regards