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Pebbles82 · 01-25-2021, 06:38 PM

I think either way, the hamster goes when the time is right. Having had to have three pts (the last two with a good vet) I would have no hesitation in doing that if the time is right, to avoid a slow painful death just to die at home in their nest. I used to think having then pts was an awful idea but it really can be the best option to save suffering and help them.

The difficulty is knowing if or when it’s the right time.

Metacam sounds like a good idea but I have also learned over the years it is not enough if they have pain from cancer. There isn’t the equivalent of morphine for hamsters.

If she is having some quality of life then it probably isn’t the right time. Unless you decide she is suffering. It does sound like she’s in her twilight time with the swelling and weight loss. With Newt the swelling got so bad I was worried he would burst, then his ears were down all the time and I knew he needed help. He could hardly walk by then because of the swelling.

People used to say - if they are eating ok then they have quality of life. But our vet explained to me that with cancer they still eat and it doesn’t mean they are enjoying their food - it is a thing they do because the cancer creates cravings- which is how they can eat a lot and still lose weight. Which is what was happening with Nugget. He was still active and eating but looking awful. And was in pain. So that was it.

Does she enjoy anything in her cage any more? Also you can tell by facial expression sometimes if they are in pain - a drawn look as if the ears are pulled back and stretching the face muscles back so the eyes look a bit slitty (vet said that was recent research - the pain “look”). Hunching and ears down all the time are other signs.

It may not be cancer- it could be gradual organ failure. But you will know if she needs help.

With Charlie he took to his nest but it went on like that for days and he didn’t just go. I wished I had taken him earlier to be pts.

Our vet will only pts if they have gas anaesthetic first and that I find very reassuring. Not all vets do this so it’s always best to ask/request it. It means you can’t be there but it’s ok - you say goodbye and the vet can take then in their own little house or favourite hidey place that you take with you. They know you are helping them when (if) it comes to it.

Keep an eye on the bloating.

So sorry you are having this - dear little Poppy.

01-25-2021, 06:38 PM
Pebbles82 Hamster Antics Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 23,533	Re: Mistress Poppy I think either way, the hamster goes when the time is right. Having had to have three pts (the last two with a good vet) I would have no hesitation in doing that if the time is right, to avoid a slow painful death just to die at home in their nest. I used to think having then pts was an awful idea but it really can be the best option to save suffering and help them. The difficulty is knowing if or when it’s the right time. Metacam sounds like a good idea but I have also learned over the years it is not enough if they have pain from cancer. There isn’t the equivalent of morphine for hamsters. If she is having some quality of life then it probably isn’t the right time. Unless you decide she is suffering. It does sound like she’s in her twilight time with the swelling and weight loss. With Newt the swelling got so bad I was worried he would burst, then his ears were down all the time and I knew he needed help. He could hardly walk by then because of the swelling. People used to say - if they are eating ok then they have quality of life. But our vet explained to me that with cancer they still eat and it doesn’t mean they are enjoying their food - it is a thing they do because the cancer creates cravings- which is how they can eat a lot and still lose weight. Which is what was happening with Nugget. He was still active and eating but looking awful. And was in pain. So that was it. Does she enjoy anything in her cage any more? Also you can tell by facial expression sometimes if they are in pain - a drawn look as if the ears are pulled back and stretching the face muscles back so the eyes look a bit slitty (vet said that was recent research - the pain “look”). Hunching and ears down all the time are other signs. It may not be cancer- it could be gradual organ failure. But you will know if she needs help. With Charlie he took to his nest but it went on like that for days and he didn’t just go. I wished I had taken him earlier to be pts. Our vet will only pts if they have gas anaesthetic first and that I find very reassuring. Not all vets do this so it’s always best to ask/request it. It means you can’t be there but it’s ok - you say goodbye and the vet can take then in their own little house or favourite hidey place that you take with you. They know you are helping them when (if) it comes to it. Keep an eye on the bloating. So sorry you are having this - dear little Poppy.