Diabetes In hamsters

 

Like humans some species of hamster can develop the condition

called Diabetes, this is caused because either the pancreas does

not produce enough insulin or because the body is not responding

to the insulin being produced. This results in the sufferer having high

blood sugar levels that must be kept under control to keep them healthy.

 

 

Chinese hamsters and Campbells are at risk of developing diabetes, because of this the sugar in their diet should be limited.

 

As most Winter whites are hybridised they are also at risk and should also be given a low sugar diet.

If you purchased your winter white from a pedigree breeder with a pedigree certificate you do not have to feed a controlled diet as pure winter whites are not at risk.

 

Syrians and roborovskis have almost no risk of developing diabetes though rare cases have been documented these are few and far between. Because of this the sugar levels in these species diets does not have to be regulated though as with any pet they should not be fed excessive amounts for general health reasons.

 

Sugar shouldn't be taken out of the hamsters diets all together. Even those hamsters who have been diagnosed with diabetes need a small amount of sugar in their diets to prevent them from going into hypoglycaemic shock - this is where the blood sugar levels are too low. Hamsters will get some sugar from their food mix but it can also be provided in healthy ways such as in very small pieces of fruit. Some people prefer to remove fruit from the diet completely which is fine. Healthy sugar can also be found in some vegetables.

 

Simple carbohydrates should be avoided where possible, treats should be natural or homemade to avoid unwanted ingredients. You should watch out for treats that contain honey such as seed sticks/shapes as these will be high in sugar.

 

 

Symptoms of Diabetes

 

- Excessive drinking

- Urinating more frequently in larger amounts 

- Strong smelling urine described as the smell of nail polish remover

- Sudden weight loss or gain

- Sleeping more or excessive exercise

- Irritability 

- A hunched posture

- Squinting even when fully awake

 

If you hamster displays several of these symptoms then it’s best to check them for diabetes, this is done in a different way to how other animals are tested. 

 

 

 

Testing For Diabetes

 

You will need to purchase Keto-Diastix from your local pharmacy or online, read the instructions carefully to make sure you get an accurate reading.

 

Place your hamster into a clean box or traveller with no bedding or substrate only include a water bottle.

When your hamster urinates remove them immediately so they don’t contaminate the sample and dip the test strip into the urine. Compare the result to the chart that came with the test strips.

 

If your hamster does not urinate within 20 minutes it is unlikely that they have diabetes and they can be removed from the box.

 

If the result shows the presence of glucose in the urine then the hamster is suffering from diabetes, if both ketones and glucose are present then the hamster is an unwell diabetic. If your hamster is unwell then seek vet attention taking the results of the test with you - you may need to write these down or take a photo as the test may be classed as invalid after a certain time period.