Maia Update

Nienna Valar · 10-17-2005, 10:20 PM

I'm happy to report that when I was at work, my husband called me up about 6:30-7:00pm to let me know that Maia had woken up, eaten, drank and was running like mad on her wheel. Needless to say I jumped up and down for joy, taking this as a very good sign. I came home and she perked up when I walked into my office (where she stays) and ran around and stood on her hind legs. I was able to give her the meds a little easier this time and checked out her bum which was drier than it has been. Her poos are still a little wet but are starting to take some shape. Overall, she seems to be doing so much better!

Thanks so much for your support! It's awesome to be connected to so many other hamster lovers!

Here's a picture of Maia going crazy on her wheel!

SnuggleHam · 10-18-2005, 04:30 AM

I'm so glad that Maia is doing better. It's great that she's both eating and drinking, but being active as well is even better! So what did the vet conclude?

Nienna Valar · 10-18-2005, 08:45 AM

The vet concluded it was "wet tail", gave me the baytril and told me to start the meds immediatelly. She was a very nice lady and seemed very confident in her diagnosis.

SnuggleHam · 10-18-2005, 08:51 AM

I’m glad. It seems like there are many vets out there that aren’t experienced in treating small rodents. In fact I’ve called vet offices that told me they didn’t treat small animals at all!

So I’m glad that you found a great vet!

**babyboos** · 10-18-2005, 09:24 AM

Though I would say 99% that she was not suffering from "Wet Tail". Which is a little concerning to be honest, I do wonder just how knowledgable your vet is about small animals such as hamsters. Many see a runny poo and say "Wet Tail" without realising this is actually a very specific illness with marked symptoms. Antibiotics given without good reason can be more harmful than they realise. Glad the Baytril did the trick though. Make sure to feed some good quality plain bio-live yogurt, or preferably a prebiotic supplement such as Avi-Pro Plus available by mail order from Vet-Ark to help her gut recover from the antibiotic treatment. Do you use Harry Hamster food? It has added probiotics which will be beneficial to her on an ongoing basis.

Emma · 10-18-2005, 10:58 AM

Good to hear that Maia is feeling better. Is she living in a tank or does she keep a sword in her cage?!? That pic looks funny

Off topic but the type of wheel that she has means that her feet could get caught in the mesh - we should only use completely solid wheels. You could solve the problem by wrapping the wheel in a strip of cardboard or similar.

Nienna Valar · 10-18-2005, 12:41 PM

Yes, I do know I need to replace the wheel. I saw a solid one with teal that I want but I have to wait till I get paid again before I can afford it. But thanks a bunch for the cardboard tip till I can get that wheel!

As for the sword in the background...well, that's actually mine (Hadhafang: A Lord of the Rings replica) and it's living there on the windowsill till I can get a sturdy enough shelf to put it on. (I'm in the middle of rearranging my office) Again, money is an issue. :P Luckily it's really ok sitting there and won't fall over!

**pophammy** · 10-18-2005, 01:11 PM

A really good wheel we find is the Samvic Jumbo Rolly rat & large hamster wheel. It is big so your ham won't become too big for it and it doesn't make mch noise!

SnuggleHam · 10-18-2005, 01:44 PM

Is the a sword in the background?

Nienna Valar · 10-18-2005, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pophammy

A really good wheel we find is the Samvic Jumbo Rolly rat & large hamster wheel. It is big so your ham won't become too big for it and it doesn't make mch noise!

Thanks! I will definetelly remember that when I can go buy one!