A hamster that keeps falling over is often suffering from a problem with its vestibular system. The vestibular system is the set of tissues within mammals that help us balance.
If your hamster also tilts its head to one side and wobbles as it walks, then it has likely got a problem somewhere within its ears, such as an infection or tumour. Ear infections can often be treated by a vet through a course of antibiotics, but if it’s a more serious problem, like a tumour, then the problem may be more difficult to treat. We recommend that you take your hamster to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
A hamster with an unsteady gait could be suffering from a problem with its ears
Another reason that your hamster could be a little unsteady on its feet is that it has recently suffered a stroke. If your hamster sways as it’s walking, tilts its head a lot, or walks in circles, then your hamster could’ve recently suffered a stroke. For more information on strokes, have a look at our hamster illnesses page.
Breeana, 25 February 2020
I came home and my hamster was very disorientated and can barely walk . She sways as if she can't steady herself when when you try to help her with her water bottle and other things . And she falls/rolls around when she tries to walk I think she might of had a stoke or something but I'm not sure any thoughts?