My hamster has pneumonia. How can I make him comfortable?

[racinghamster]

Hi DebiT. At this stage it might be trial and error really and Freddie feeling fit enough to fight his. If Freddie is an older Syrian his body may not be that of a fitter hamster, but you can`t really do more than you are at the moment. Continue with the medication but at the same time, if you feel it`s a stressful thing for him to be given the medication, perhaps try masking it inside a small amount of food like the supreme science selective biscuits I was telling you about. These are really good for softening, mashing and mixing with chopped nuts. They smell like gravy, which helps!

If you were closer, I would give you some of mine. Maybe say where your location is and there may be someone on the forum near to you who could help with some science selective food? I think Pets At Home sell this food though and possibly smaller independent pet shops, so it would be worth popping in to ask. Would be worth getting anyway if you have another Syrian who may benefit from it later on.

Eating his own food is crucial as it will keep his gut stable. Crush and mash anything up using a pestle & mortar that might be too big for him. This helps. Using a pestle & mortar, or a freezer bag and rolling pin:

Take half a peanut
A shelled sunflower seed
a dry mealworm
a small piece of science selective biscuit, or you could use a small piece of shredded wheat or Weetabix
A half pumpkin seed

Mash these into a powder. Add ONE drop of cold water, or a second drop if the mixture is a bit too dry. Mix together with a spoon and form into a ball. Leave to dry a bit, but the consistency should be dry and not soggy.

This will smell and taste nutty and Freddie should like it. Have a go and leave it near his bed. Watch to see if he emerges and eats it. x

[DebiT]

Freddie has passed For the last couple of days he's been really unsteady on his feet and he has done nothing but sleep. I knew this morning from the way he was lying and breathing that he didn't have long so I didn't stress him out this morning by giving him any medicine. I know his previous owners bought him in May 2014 and I don't know how old he was when they bought him so he may have been an elderly hamster when I got him. I'm so sorry to have lost him so soon but I think I did everything I could and I hope he enjoyed his short time in a big cage and running around like a looney in his ball! I'm glad he isn't suffering any more because it was breaking my heart to see how ill he had become. Thank you everyone for your advice, especially racinghamster x

[racinghamster]

What a shame DebiT, it`s so sad after you tried to get him back on his feet, but it can be very difficult to do in such a small animal like a hamster and a lot can depend on them fighting their corner as well as the medication having a positive effect. Really sorry to hear wee Freddie didn`t come though.

Maybe you can rehome another needy hamster at some stage but hopefully have him around longer. Freddie could have been older than suggested and if that was the case, his body just wouldn`t be able to fight, poor lad.

Remember him as he was, dashing about and the fun times you had during his short time with you. x

[DebiT]

He did put up a good fight, bless him but he was just getting weaker every day. I think he was a bit older than I was told but I hope he enjoyed his short time with us. I'm sure we will have another hamster but not just yet. We got pretty attached to Freddie; he was a little character! Thank you once again x

[Piebald]

Sorry for your loss DebiT, you did everything you could and with racinghamster's help you know it. xx
I am so glad he had the time he did with you. I'm sure it was the best time of his life. Bless you for taking him and and being so good to him.

RIP Freddie. You are loved. xx

[DebiT]

Thank you for your lovely words piebald x

[BluerayDarkes]

I just read this thread. You did all you could for him. I'm sorry he passed. Play well at the bridge

[DebiT]

Thank you BluerayDarkes. I hope he is happy now and not suffering x