----- Original Message ----- From: "*~Donald Dukk~*"

To: <Info@hammysworld.com>
Sent: Sunday, 7:18 AM
Subject: I have a question to ask about my hamster!


Hi there, my name is Donald. I own a teddy bear hamster (female) and she
is about half a year old. 3 days ago, I returned home from school and
found that she had been dragging her back feet around. I've been
researching these symptoms and have come to a conclusion that she most
likely has hind leg paralysis, or some sort of lack of nutrients leading
to such a matter. I came across your website and noticed that the hamster
in the video contains similar symptoms to my own Miso. I was wondering if
you could tell me what I could do to help her in terms of comfort and
cure. I bought a solution that is supposed to be mixed in water in order
to provide vitamins, and some sort of granola that applies other
nutrients. I'm not too sure what else I need, and vet appointments are
extremely costly, however considerable under such a circumstance. Could
you please tell me what exactly you did to treat the hind leg paralysis?
Any help is appreciated, please reply as soon as possible. I love my Miso
very much. :(

Yours truly,
Donald

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From: <info@hammysworld.com>
To: "*~Donald Dukk~*"
Subject: Re: I have a question to ask about my hamster!
Date: Mon, 00:00:25 -0000

Hi, Donald.
So sorry to hear about your hammy.
She is quite young to have developed hind leg paralysis. This is unusual in a Syrian female at this age to develop this from a disease. At around 6 month old if they develop hind leg paralysis it is usually hereditary.
Causes of hind leg paralysis as you are probably already aware, can be a nutritional deficiency, trauma, or disease.
The cause of the paralysis would have to be identified correctly in order to treat it "if at all possible".
The hamster in the video "Hopalong as we named him" had a serious case of campylobacter. The same bacteria that can cause wet tail. This was treated with Teramycin, and he was put on a course of vitamin D. once the initial infection was cleared. In a case of campylobacter the hamsters own defence system attacks the nerves of his body. The PNS (peripheral nervous system) is outside the central nervous system, the brain, and spinal cord. Theses are the outer nerves that control the limbs, after contracting Campylobacteriosis his own immune system makes antibodies against the components of campylobacter bacteria, these antibodies then attacks components of the body's nerve cells, because they are chemically similar to the bacterial components.

I do agree with you that the costs of vetinary visits are very expensive in relation to the value of a hamster. This does understandably put many people off visiting a vet. I realize that you are looking for a quick solution to your problem. But you must also understand that I am unable to supply a quick solution.
"If" and I do emphasize if it is a vitamin deficiency, the vitamin that is required will not be found in any solution that is mixed with water, although many vitamin supplements can be taken this way. With the exception of vitamin D this is a fat soluble vitamin, not water soluble. Vitamin D promotes the body's absorption of calcium which is important to bones, nerve cells, including the brain.
A deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to muscular weakness in addition to weak bones. Dry cereals are fortified with only approx: 10% of (a humans) daily intake of vitamin D. unless very large amounts are consumed, they contain insignificant amounts of vitamin D.
Although vitamin D is not really a vitamin this is also known as the "sunshine vitamin" because the body manufactures the vitamin after being exposed to sunshine. So as this is manufactured by the body therefore cannot be classed as a vitamin.
We use this word as such for simplicity.
Only a few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D, these include fatty fish and fish oils. Cod liver oil is the best source, it is the richest source. of vitamin D. Just one teaspoon has 4,500 IU.
Fish oil has a much lower content of vitamins A and D compared to liver oils
C.L.O Also contains vitamin A. which is essential for the immune system, night vision, and cellular growth.
Granola contains high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates, and many other ingredients that a hamster’s digestive system cannot cope with. Avoid feeding her things like this.
The hamster in the video (Head Tilt) was put on a course of vitamin D and has made quite a remarkable recovery. The video update has yet to be added to the site.

Regards Hammys Team.

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----- Original Message -----
From: "*~Donald Dukk~*"
To: <info@hammysworld.com>
Sent: Monday, 12:17 AM
Subject: Re: I have a question to ask about my hamster!

Thank you very much for the information. I will try my best to provide the
nutrients in cereal, fish and anything that hamsters can eat. And in
addition, I should probably request for vet attention and hopefully get a
better look at the cause.

Anyhow, thank you very much.

Best regards,
Donald

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