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Hamster with a Head Tilt
The vestibular system contributes to balance and sense of spatial orientation. Together with the cochlea, a part of the auditory system, it constitutes the labyrinth of the inner ear. Disease of the vestibular system can take different forms but nearly always induces instability. Common signs of vestibular syndrome in a hamster may include falling over (loss of balance) stumbling, a head tilt, rotation of the head with one ear held lower than the other. Vestibular disease is caused by an inner ear infection, trauma, or tumors of the ear canal. This can affect the head and neck of the hamster in which the head may be held or tilted to one side. This is not a genetic disorder but one that is caused by an illness, inner ear infections are the most common cause.
A head tilt is a sign of inner ear (Vestibular) disease. The animal will have the inability to co-ordinate voluntary muscular movements. Changes in head and neck positions are relayed through the inner ear this affects the nerves to the brain. Infection can enter through the external ear or through the blood stream. Tumors and trauma are another cause of vestibular disease. Tumors of the ear canal can lead to bleeding from the ear leading to infections.
The animal does not show any other signs of weakness in any other part of the body. The affected animal will lean, tip, fall, or roll toward the side of the lesion, and will usually move around in circles.This circling should not be confused with the genetic neurological disorder of circling. (See videos below) In severe cases this may make it difficult for the hamster to locate his food and water, make sure they are easily accessible to him. In this case it may be wise to keep the hamster in a cage with one ground floor. As the animal may find it difficult to negotiate ladders, tubes, or ramps.
This is a condition that can be treated by your vet with antibiotics and supportive care therapy from you. The prognosis is good and the vast majority will recover most of their normal head position and lead normal lives.
An old male hamster that's had a stroke |
Hamsters that have suffered a stroke can show symptoms very similar to vestibular disease. Strokes are blood clots in the brain that block of the blood supply, this can cause anything from temporary balance and movement loss to limb paralysis and if severe, even death. Most often this affects the elderly hamster, the hamster may appear un-coordinated with an unsteady gait, semi-paralysis on one side of the body that can result in a head tilt, and the inability to walk straight. Within the course of a couple of weeks a hamster that has had a stroke may show some sign of improvement in their co-ordination, but some of the head tilt may remain.
A hamster with a head tilt. Vestibular disease
Vestibular disease should not be confused with circling Circling is a genetic neurological disorder.
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