Ovarian cysts- surgery not an option, not ready to put her down

[Lizzypoplar]

Hey,

The day before yesterday I checked in on my hamster and found blood spots all round her cage, so yesterday I took her to the vet. The vet prescribed a ten day course of antibiotics and said it may be an infection but it was much more likely to be ovarian cysts or maybe some other form of tumour.

Now my vet has recommended surgery or euthanasia if the antibiotics do not work, however I know many hamsters do not make it through surgery and I do not wish to put her through this as she is a good age for a hamster anyway.

However she is eating, drinking, a good weight, has normal droppings and is still happily running about in her cage and still sociable (although I've not bee picking her up in case its painful). Simply, I am not ready to have her put down...

It only day two of the antibiotics and she is still bleeding but hopefully its just an infection and they will clear it up. However if this is not the case...

I was wondering if you could give me any tips on what I can do to make sure she is as healthy as possible and remains as comfortable as possible?

[Thin Lizzy]

It's never easy when our hammies get ill. How old is she?
It's always more risky operating on an older hamster.
As long as she's eating, drinking and showing no signs of pain and the bleeding stops then I don't see the need for surgery.
All you can do is continue giving her the antibiotics, give her some baby food like creamy porridge, rice pudding & fruity muesli (cow & gate baby food).
Also, scrambled egg and ambrosia rice. My oldest is on antibiotics and has been for a while.
Also I give a pinch of Probiotic C Powder especially for small animals. P@H sell this for £5.50.

[Lizzypoplar]

We are not sure exactly how old she was when we got her but she would be about two years old.
Okay fingers crossed that all happens! she is such a sweetie bless her!
Thank you for the food tips

[Thin Lizzy]

Got my fingers crossed for her,

[Piebald]

That's tough-- having to make those kinds of decisions for your furry friend. I can tell how much you love her so trust your instincts to know what is best and when. Glad she is still active that's a good indication she's not feeling too bad. Hopefully the antibiotics will help and I second the use of probiotics to help keep her little gut balanced. Keep us updated and we love pictures. X

[Lizzypoplar]

Thanks for the comments!

Update the antibiotics seem to be working! No more bleeding and she seems happy! Yay!

[Thin Lizzy]

That's such a relief to hear! Make sure you finish the course of antibiotics!

[Piebald]

Great news! Be sure to finish the course of antibiotics so the infection doesn't return.