Meet Açaí, one of HSS’ long-term hamsters

Açaí’s story with HSS started when a kind member of public alerted HSS that a hamster had fallen into a condominium pool! They fished poor, drenched Açaí out of the pool, and waited for our volunteers to arrive. When our volunteer arrived, it became evident that Açaí had likely suffered a fall injury, possibly caused by her cage's proximity to a window or balcony!* She could hardly move below her waist and had a weird gait. But that was not the only problem: Açaí also had a blood red eye.

Açaí’s first vet visit

Açaí was brought to the vet, and an x-ray performed found that she had sustained a fracture in her right fibula, likely due to the suspected fall. Not only that, both her hind ankles show signs of fracture as well. Fortunately, they seemed relatively healed. However, the fractures caused stiffening in her hind legs and it seemed as though she had also sustained some nerve damage in her hind legs. As a result, Açaí has trouble controlling them and walking properly.

The red eye

Açaí’s left eye was red due to blood in her eye! Back then, the blood in her eye was causing increased eye pressure (glaucoma). Had it worsened, her eye would have had to be removed to prevent further complications.

Additionally, her right eye had a cataract, potentially stemming from an earlier suspected injury.

Life now with HSS

Fortunately, Açaí’s eye got better and she got to keep it.

Açaí now lives a pampered life with her fosterer and enjoys many treats

However, that did not mean that the rest of her problems went away. Her past trauma means that Açaí now has chronic spine, leg, and eye conditions. Her spine and leg issues leave her incapable of cleaning herself. Açaí also relies on chronic pain medication and supplements, requiring frequent cleaning to combat recurrent eye and ear infections. Now blind in both eyes, Açaí needs assistance to locate her food and water sometimes.

Despite everything…

Açaí still maintains a positive attitude through it all! “She’s a super sweet ham and still loves human touch,” says her fosterer, “she can’t move anything from waist down or bend her legs… so when she wants to sleep, she literally just plops to her side or on her back.”

Help support hamsters like Açaí! Every cent donated to Hamster Society Singapore goes to the care and medical fees of hamsters under HSS.

*Note: HSS strongly advises against placing hamster cages near balconies or windows due to the elevated risk of heatstroke, in addition to the potential for falls.