My hamster has become really feeble over the past 2 months? Is it just old age?

Question

Hello. My Syrian hamster is about 2 or 3 years old. I know this is old for a hamster, and that it's normal for them to slow down at that age, but she was spritely as ever just 1 or 2 months ago. She'd spend all day climbing and running and trying to escape. But now she spends all day sleeping. She only wakes up for water and food (just a little bit - she used to have a voracious appetite). And she keeps stumbling about and falling.

And her back-end is **slightly** wet. She doesn't have diarrhoea (I don't think it's wet-tail) - I think she just can't be bothered to clean herself anymore.

Is it normal for them to deteriorate so fast? Or is there something else at play here?

I took her to the vets a couple of weeks ago to get her tooth clipped. The vet said that her tooth was broken, but that it wasn't a problem. The vet also apologised for causing her mouth to bleed after accidentally nipping it with the clippers. The vet said that was fine, too, and said she was just getting old.

Answer 1

it could be that it is very bored try puting in new toys ore handle it for a wile

Answer 2

well your hamster is pretty old and het tail is alittle wet she can be sick

Answer 3

That is old for a hamster.  It sounds like normal aging.  You may need to brush her  some to ensure she stays clean.  Also, if you have a cage with a lot of levels and tubing it would be helpful to her if you downsized to make it easier on her to reach food and water and to make sure she doesn't injure herself trying to get around.  Just keep an eye on her and make sure she is still eating and drinking some...good luck!