Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 07:06 pm
Sometimes when we see our hamster having symptoms similar to Down’s syndrome, we are afraid that maybe our pet is also suffering from this serious disease.
Can hamsters have down syndrome? No, hamsters cannot have Down syndrome, they can only have a craniofacial abnormality, which is characterized by symptoms of Down syndrome, such as abnormal facial features in hamsters.
In today’s article, you will learn why hamsters cannot have Down’s syndrome, as well as the meaning of certain deformities on their face that resemble Down’s syndrome.
Can hamsters have down syndrome?
No, hamsters cannot have Down syndrome, although sometimes they have different shapes on their face, it is due to a craniofacial abnormality, but it is not Down syndrome.
Hamsters have a different genetic structure than humans and therefore cannot have Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is a uniquely human disease caused by chromosome 21, which is medically called trisomy 21, which fortunately hamsters do not have.
A craniofacial abnormality is a unique phenomenon that is symptomatic of Down syndrome and occurs in hamsters due to poor breeding.
Although these symptoms are quite similar to Down’s syndrome, rest assured that hamsters cannot have this disease.
The problem of craniofacial abnormality occurs mostly in Syrian hamsters.
What is the difference between Down syndrome and hamster craniofacial abnormality?
Although the symptoms seem very similar, there is a difference between Down syndrome and craniofacial abnormality in hamsters.
If you look a little closer at all the symptoms, you will notice that there are certain differences between these two conditions.
The main difference is that Down syndrome begins at birth in humans, while craniofacial abnormality can appear at different times in the life of hamsters.
Development of Down’s syndrome is caused by the mutation of chromosomes, ie their number in the human body.
In contrast, the craniofacial abnormality is only acquired by viral infections and poor breeding of hamsters.
Why do hamsters have deformities on their faces?
A major cause of facial deformities in hamsters is craniofacial abnormality.
This condition can appear in hamsters at any time, while Down syndrome appears from birth in humans.
When hamsters have a craniofacial abnormality, it is seen by abnormal features on their face, as well as the loss of their teeth.
Teeth are too important for hamsters, so in such moments you should not wait, you should react immediately and take your pet to the vet.
It is even worse if the hamsters have a craniofacial abnormality from birth, that is, they may be toothless.
A craniofacial abnormality can be fatal for hamsters if nothing is done in these unwanted situations.
How to deal with craniofacial abnormality in hamsters?
Although hamsters cannot have Down syndrome, you should still pay attention to facial deformities and other deformities in your furry friends.
Craniofacial abnormalities are a serious matter, and must not be left as such, they must be treated by a veterinarian because otherwise, they can cause fatal consequences and death of the hamsters.
To avoid major problems, there are two ways of treating Craniofacial abnormalities, so let’s find out both ways in more detail.
The viral infection, in addition to other problems it creates in hamsters, also causes the appearance of symptoms similar to Down’s syndrome.
That is why hamsters must have adequate protection against viral infections.
A good diet with vitamins is important in reducing the chances of viral infection in hamsters.
Another thing you can undertake is to keep the cage clean and tidy.
Viral infection can occur through transmission from other hamsters in the same cage.
That’s why you should pay attention to your pets, if one has a viral infection, separate it from the others so that it does not infect them because the viral infection spreads easily.
Adequate nutrition
When hamsters have a craniofacial abnormality, it leads to major problems with the hamster’s teeth. Our pets can lose their teeth and not be able to eat, which is one of the biggest problems for them.
Because if their teeth are not in order, they will just swallow food and have digestion problems.
In such unwanted situations, you should help your pet by giving him soft food that he can easily eat. Only such food comes into consideration when hamsters have dental problems.
As you may realize when hamsters have craniofacial abnormalities, you as the owner must make every effort to help the hamster.
You cannot leave your pet alone at times like this, you should help him as much as you can.
Do hamsters with Down syndrome symptoms live long lives?
If hamsters have symptoms of Down syndrome or more precisely craniofacial abnormalities and do not have teeth, it is very difficult for them to live a long life.
First of all, nutrition is a big problem that will always be present in these hamsters.
You should constantly give them mushy food, however, then the hamsters will be completely dependent on their owners.
While hamsters in the wild will have a hard time surviving without teeth, it will be almost impossible for them to manage their food, and most likely won’t be able to live long.
Can other animals have Down syndrome?
Animals cannot have Down syndrome, although they have similar symptoms reminiscent of this disease.
The abnormal facial features and the short life of the animals are a reason to suspect that Down’s syndrome is to blame, but the truth is quite the opposite and this claim of some people is not true.
The reason for such occurrences of abnormalities in animals is poor breeding by amateur breeders.
Whether it’s dogs, tigers, hamsters, or any other animals, none of them can have Down syndrome.
Read more: Why Is My Hamster Losing Weight? (Solutions And Advices)
Conclusion
Hamsters cannot have Down syndrome, they can only have similar symptoms, but they can never have the disease.
Hamsters can have a craniofacial abnormality characterized by abnormal facial features and loss of their teeth.
To prevent craniofacial abnormalities, hamsters must have a good and healthy diet with vitamins and minerals, as well as adequate protection against viral infections.
The most important thing is whenever you notice some of the symptoms of craniofacial abnormality react promptly so that there are no problems and fatal consequences for the life of your furry friends.
