You may find a hamster arching its back or remaining hunched over.
Some hamsters hunch more than others, which could be a normal part of their posture. However, a consistently odd or unnatural posture is a reason for concern.
Some back issues are long-term and need a vet’s intervention, while others are temporary.
What Does It Mean When Your Hamster Has A Hunched Back?
Here are the main reasons why a hamster may display a hunched back:
Feeling Scared
Hamsters that are suddenly scared may hunch their backs. The same applies to consistently afraid hamsters, which can develop a semi-constantly hunched back.
Scared hamsters want to appear as small as possible, so they’ll curl in on themselves and stay low to the ground, which may force their back to arch.
To determine if this is the case, consider anything that might have frightened your hamster, such as:
- Sudden loud noises.
- Animals near windows, like cats.
- New people or pets in the home.
- Sudden movements.
- Injuries due to a fall.
- Handling before being tamed.
An arched back should be temporary if the hamster is hunched out of fright. The unnatural posture will disappear once the hamster is no longer scared and relaxes.
Anxiety
Anxiety causes hamsters to attempt to appear smaller as a form of self-defense. They want to hide from threats and avoid drawing unwanted attention to themselves.
Sources of anxiety that cause a hunch are environmental stressors, including the following:
- Unfamiliarity.
- Threats, like other pets.
- Unusual activity around the cage.
Old Age
The average lifespan of a pet hamster is 2-2.5 years old.
Old hamsters may walk with a hunch, which is natural and expected, especially if it has arthritis. Old age causes muscles and bones to deteriorate, affecting the hamster’s posture and gait.
A vet may administer an anti-inflammatory for pain relief. This could relax the hamster enough to cease its arched position, or it may leave them hunched but free from discomfort.
Wet Tail
Wet tail (proliferative ileitis) is a common digestive issue among animals like hamsters.
A common symptom of wet tail is diarrhea, which is caused by a bacterial infection. It can lead to a hunched back since it’ll cause pain and force the hamster to strain as it excretes waste.
To determine if a hamster has wet tail, check around its butt for runny droppings. Wet tail is most common in hamsters younger than 12 weeks old.
Unfortunately, wet tail can be fatal, so resolving the condition early on is essential. The symptoms of wet tail include:
- Hunched back.
- Smelly or foul odor.
- Diarrhea.
- Weakness and lethargy.
- Lack of appetite.
- Staggered movement.
- Increased aggression, like biting.
This condition won’t clear up on its own. If a hamster has a wet tail, a vet must administer antibiotics. Also, fluids, electrolytes, and high-calorie foods may be necessary.
Although bacteria (Lawsonia intracellularis) cause wet tail, it often starts due to stress. Stress reduces the efficacy of the immune system of hamsters, allowing harmful bacteria to infect the body.
Illnesses
A hunched back can be a symptom of many illnesses and diseases in hamsters. Aside from wet tail, which is the most common issue, a hamster may develop an arched back for the following reasons:
- Malnutrition.
- Digestive issues.
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Respiratory infection.
Injury
Injuries often happen in response to pain from the wound or fracture, but they’ll be more apparent if the hamster has developed spinal issues. The symptoms include:
- Limping.
- Not using its hind legs.
- Inability to pee or poop.
- Pain response to touching the back.
Many hamsters sustain injuries from falling from a height, getting their feet stuck in a hamster ball, or hurting themselves on unsafe toys.
An injured hamster should be taken to the vet, who’ll take x-rays and treat fractures.
Butterfly Vertebrae
A hunched back can be a congenital disorder, such as butterfly vertebrae (also known as ‘sagittal cleft vertebra’ or ‘anterior rachischisis’).
According to Global Spine Journal, ‘butterfly vertebrae’ is a spinal deformity that can lead to lower back pain and herniated discs.
This condition can affect small animals. For example, Congenital Anomalies discuss how butterfly vertebrae can affect rats. In hamsters, a prominent symptom is walking with a hunched back and pain.
This condition is genetic and develops while the hamster is in the embryo. The hamster will have this condition from birth, but it may not be noticeable until it matures.
Why Does My Hamster Have A Hump On His Back?
A hunched back may be caused by a lump or hump on the back. Hamsters don’t usually have lumps, and developing them is uncommon. When it happens, it’s due to the following:
- Benign cysts.
- Skin reactions.
- Cancer.
- Congenital diseases.
Hamster Sitting in Hunched Position
While an arched back can be a worrying sign, there are times when it’s entirely normal. For example, you may notice a hunch when the hamster sits down.
Hamsters are flexible creatures, so this may be a conscious choice as it curls into itself to rest or relax. What looks like a hunched back can be normal for a highly flexible hamster.
So, how do you know when hunching is a problem? Check for the following issues:
- Consistency: Is the hunch always there? It’s abnormal if a hamster always has a significant hunch, regardless of body position.
- Gait: If a hamster walks differently than others or starts hunching suddenly, it’s an abnormality.
If a hamster doesn’t manifest any other symptoms, such as a change in behavior, lethargy, or low appetite, it’s probably okay.
Hamster Shaking And Hunched Back
If a hamster is shaking while displaying an arched back, it could have a neurological condition. However, other illnesses may be responsible for a hamster’s shaking and trembling.
Once the tremors begin, take the hamster to the vet to determine the cause.
Before the appointment, keep the hamster comfortable by ensuring the room is warm and quiet. Also, remove any hard objects and climbing toys so it doesn’t get hurt due to a loss of coordination.