Diabetic hamsters

[pixiekitty015]

I thought i'd make a quick post regarding this since I feel this is what took the life of my hamster, Meatloaf. I just wanted to make anyone aware of the symptoms, signs, and ways of dealing with it on here that may not be too familar with the condition in hamsters. Apparently, from what I have read it is most common in Cambells dwarf hamsters,

Comments

[xxnenexx]

Back in December, I took 2 babies from a litter my boyfriend's hamster had, and then in January, I took 3 more from the second litter. Anyway, 3 of the ones I took have already died. :( I believe diabetes was in all of their genes, and I cared for them the best I could. Out of the two I still have that are living, one of them drinks at least 3 ounces a day, and I have to clean her cage like every 3 days. It was really sad seeing them die so young =( They all drank and peed excessively, "shook" (I think it was chills), and were sort of runty. =( I wish there were a medicine or something to help , or a special pre-packaged food for diabetic campbells. Here are pics of mine that were diabetic and are no longer with me. =( http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v366/missnene1/meeps.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v366/missnene1/lilcheeks.jpg

[pixiekitty015]

aww. what sweethearts. I'm sorry you lost them. :( It's really comforting to hear that I am not the only one that has had to deal with this, and to know that people in this community understand why I feel the way I do, and don't think its silly. I love this community so much!

[thistlemouse]

I have a Campbells, called Rasputin, who I know to be diabetic. I realised when he was about 5 months old, and have had him on a controlled diet since then. It's a little bit more work than is needed with my other hamsters, but I don't mind - he's managing well, and he's already soared past the 1 and a half year mark, the typical age limit for diabetic hams. ^_^

[stargazer20]

^ can you give some tips on how you control his diet? I would be really appreciative!

I worry a lot about my Dwarf - When I got her I didnt realize or know about the risks with them and sugar. I keep a eye on her fluid intake. Right now she seems healthy - she had put on some weight since I got her last month. She stays pretty active with running in her wheel, climbing in her cage or running in her ball. She dont eat a whole lot but loves to store any spare food back! Its so cute!! I have to clean out her "store house" at least once a week because it gets way too full!

[thistlemouse]

Rasputin is on a fairly strict diet of fresh broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, brown bread and some form of protein (usually chicken) all chopped up together. As a treat he's allowed to have some of the flakes and the occassional peanut from the regular hamster mix that my two roborovski's have

[pixiekitty015]

yeha.. my little meatloaf filled up her house constantly with food as well... this is really useful in seeing what you feed your hamster, thanks.

[funkyvixen]

If anyone has any further questions about diabetic hamsters the HoneyHams Yahoo Group was set up specifically to further knowledge on the subject so may be worth checking out, they also have information on diagnosis, diet etc.

[pixiekitty015]

yes, I just recently joined that community, it is great!