|
|
|
The Forum Hamster of the Moment Winner! Information for Hamster Owners:(under construction)
|
Diabetes in HamstersHow to test and control with diet.Written by Kiko Diabetes in campbell's dwarf hamsters is not all that uncommon. I just ended up with a diabetic myself. Other species of hamsters can get diabetes, but it is (thankfully) not very common. Here are some signs to look for in a hamster that may have diabetes:
1. Purchase Keto-diastix test strips from your local pharmacy (if you ask the person behind the counter, they are sure to know what these are.) Basically, keto-diastix are a combination of ketostix and diastix. Ketostix test for ketone levels in a hamster, and diastix test for glucose levels in a hamster. If you are unable to buy keto-diastix, then try buying ketostix and diastix separately (that's what I have to do.) 2. Read instructions as to how to properly perform a test. 3. clean a plastic cage for the hamster. DO NOT PUT ANY BEDDING IN IT! Bedding can contaminate the sample. If you want, you can wash a few plastic toys for the hamster and put those in as well. 4. Leave the hamster in the plastic cage/container until (s)he pees. (Of course, if the hammy doesn't pee within about 20 minutes put him/her back and try again some other time. If your hamster isn't peeing within 20 minutes, chances are the hamster doesn't have diaberes. Generally, a hamster with diabetes will pee at least once in that time period, although there are exceptions to that :) ) 5. After the hamster pees make sure to put him/her directly back into his/her normal cage- the pee sample needs to be fresh for testing. (plus you don't want the hammy running through it.) Simply follow the instructions on the sheet that comes with the keto-diastix test strips. (The same color chart applies to hamsters, so just use the color chart that comes with the strips.) **If the results do show high ketones/glucose (or both) then schedule a vet appointment to make sure that the hamster doesn't have a urinary tract infection. The test strips will detect that too!** Here are the possible results that could happen, and a brief summary of how to treat the hammy. 1- High Glucose and High ketone levels Treat with fenugreek- do not exceed 400 mg per day 50 pedialyte 50 water in water bottle 2- High Glucose levels and No Ketones Treat with fenugreek- up to 400 mg per day Take all sugar out of diet No pedialyte is needed 3- No Glucose and High ketone level Use 50 pedialyte and 50 water solution Add a bit of fenugreek into diet, due to presence of dextrose in pedialyte *With any of these combinations- you'll want to incorporate a high fiber and protein, yet low fat diet! *Only use the pedialyte if the ketones are high- when using pedialyte I would recommend using fenugreek along with it. This is because pedialyte has dextrose and that will probably end up raising the glucose levels in the ham. *Harry Hamster Food or Hazel Hamster Food is preferable and recommended for a diabetic ham. Since there is yet to be a specific diabetic food sold commercially, this is the next best choice (someone could probably go rich making a hamster food speciafically for diabetics... *sigh*) Anyways, when the corn is picked out the sugar content is very low. Sometimes (when high glucose levels are present) the peas should also be picked out. Incorporating fiber into diet- (easy ways to do so, pick one or a combination) 1- add timothy hay 2- add alfalfa Incorporating more protein into diet- (easy ways to do so, pick one or a combination) 1- Dog biscuits (make sure they contain no garlic or onion powder.) 2- tofu 3- Tuna (in water, with water drained out... do not buy the tuna in oil.) 4- Plain Chicken broth (nothing added) 5- Plain Chicken Baby food (no spices, vegies, etc. added) 6- Egg White (avoid yolk when at all possible... although some hams will only eat the egg white if a small amount of yolk is left on. Also, boiled is preferred to keep fat content down. No spices added! If frying, keep oils to a minimun and use olive oil!) 7- Low fat cheese 8- low fat, unflavored (plain) yogurt Veggies that are okay for diabetic hamsters- -cucumber -small amounts of romaine lettuce -brocolli -celery -cauliflower -red and/or green peppers -beans (not kidney beans, though) Other treats for a diabetic hamster -wheat germ -nutritional yeast -whole grain pasta -multigrain bread As with any treat, keep it to a "hamster-sized" portion! Great forum to join if you have a diabetic hamster- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HoneyHams |