My hamster has died

Question
Bazil was about 6 months old long haired hamster yesterday my son went to check his food and water bottle and found Bazil just hunched in the corner of his cage his eye were stuck together but no signs of infection or puss, baithed eye will warm salt water all ok, he looked very thin and he is normally fat, cleaned his cage out, put him in his ball he seemed to be falling to the one side, got worse throughout the day, fed him sugar water, last night he died what could this have been, the previous hamster that we had Honey died the same but she was about 2 years old so put that down to old age.

Thinking of getting another one but worried the same wil happen again.

Comments please

Nicola

Answer
Hi Nicola,


       It sounds like Bazil had suffered a stroke. Usually it is older hamsters that suffer strokes, however, occasionally a younger one will be stricken. Some of the signs of a stroke are: The hamster tires easily and may even collapse after using the wheel or being in a ball. Normally the hamster will be paralyzed on one side. looses its sense of balance and sometimes tilts it's head to one side.

      If you get another hamster, here are some things to keep in mind,  A healthy hamster is active, inquisitive, energetic and has an alert disposition. They have bright and clear eyes. The nose should be clean without any discharge. The coat should be well groomed and full. There are no lumps and bumps on the body and the body should be round and broad.

      If you have anymore questions, please write again.

Thank you for writing and so sorry for your loss.