Stages of Cushings Disease with illustrated pics (inc. treatment)

[musicgirlr1996]

My hamster has been diagnosed with cushings desease at the beginning of july but her symptoms started showing in january. What are some signs that she may be nearing the end/needing to be euthenised?

[SnickersTheFirst]

Originally Posted by Pearl Hamletry

Hello there awesome community!

I have had never seen anything like this in 15 years of owning hamsters until I went to a friend of mine's house. After reading the symptoms and seeing pictures I suspect that this poor little Chocolate Pearl Tort may be afflicted with this horrible disease! My friend is taking her to the vet tomorrow and I told her to get some tea tree cream. Please let me know what you all think.

One thing I would like to note that looks like a symptom that she exhibits and the pics of this hamster exhibit, that has not been previously mentioned is squinty or slanted eyes. This lil girl was even named Tsunami because she almost looks Asian. Is this a common trend or am I just connecting to many dots?

I tried Tea Tree Cream but it didn't seem to work? I tried a thin layer of Sudocrem and it worked wonders.

And tbh Snickers always had really wide, bright eyes even towards the end as far as I remember?

Originally Posted by musicgirlr1996

My hamster has been diagnosed with cushings desease at the beginning of july but her symptoms started showing in january. What are some signs that she may be nearing the end/needing to be euthenised?

I noticed that Snickers' joints were stiff and she had trouble moving about, also you're looking out for infected wounds. Any sign of severe discomfort would lead me to believe that your hamster needs to be helped to pass.

[Pearl Hamletry]

Originally Posted by SnickersTheFirst

I tried Tea Tree Cream but it didn't seem to work? I tried a thin layer of Sudocrem and it worked wonders.

And tbh Snickers always had really wide, bright eyes even towards the end as far as I remember?



I noticed that Snickers' joints were stiff and she had trouble moving about, also you're looking out for infected wounds. Any sign of severe discomfort would lead me to believe that your hamster needs to be helped to pass.

Hi Snickers thanks for responding!
Even though my friend took her to the vet they weren't able to give her an conclusive diagnosis. Its not mites or ringworm, but they said it may be a hormonal reaction to being pregnant which is rare but happens. Since her pups were weened her hair has been growing back so hopefully it was a hormonal imbalance. She is in good spirits and seems happy. So cross your fingers for her and her pups that it is not cushings!

[LoveThoseNoses]

I'm probably going to hurt and/or alienate you for saying this, but why did you let your hamster suffer so long before euthanizing her?

[kyrilliondaemon]

Originally Posted by LoveThoseNoses

I'm probably going to hurt and/or alienate you for saying this, but why did you let your hamster suffer so long before euthanizing her?

I've got to admit, I'm quite annoyed to see someone basically accuse SnickersTheFirst of letting Snickers suffer...
In the line before the last picture are the words "she was still happy" so thats probably why she let her hamster carry on life - it was happy.
When "She just wasn't herself and looked so ill" the ham was put to sleep. So my opinion - Snickers was given help to leave the world at the perfect time, when she needed it. Her owner letting her live until that point is nothing but good in my opinion.

[SnickersTheFirst]

Thank you everyone, you're all so lovely.

I love her no matter what, I think it adds to her cuteness in a way. I'll have to tell her about all of these wonderful comments.

Thanks for making it a sticky too, I hope it helps people out.

[SarahJ]

Brill idea Snickers as youve helped me so much since Megan has got worse and this will be such a help for people going through the same thing.

Little Snickers sure is a strong girl

[fluffymunchkins]

This will be such a great help to people in future, thankyou for posting
Give Snickers a big hug from me for being kind enough to let us see her pictures to help other hammmies xx

[Hope]

This is wonderful and very informative, I am sure that it will help lots of people.

I cant quite belive how quickly this illness develops, its shocking really... Poor little things. I didnt know that it occured mainly in Sable either, so Ih ave learnt something too.

[stellanova1]

Bless little Snickers ♥
Thanks for this, it will definitely be of help for people in the future. x