Is it time? - Poorly Hamster

[lonelygoldfish]

A week ago my darling dwarf hamster Frankie was diagnosed by the vet as having a swollen liver (they think), and I was told she was only going to get worse. I'm surprised how quickly she has gone downhill, but it has now got to the point where she is;

- biting me when I try and hold/touch her
- unsteady on her feet
- eating and drinking less than before
- always looks sleepy, eyes half open
- still walking around and even walking on her flying saucer, just less than before
- a lot bigger around her abdomen due to the fluid build-up

I do plan on taking her to the vets to be put to sleep, and I'm just looking for a second opinion on whether now is time? I think it is, but I'm really upset about it, and don't want to do it too soon :'(

[lonelygoldfish]

She's still trying really hard, but she's just fallen and couldn't get up from off her back :'(

[Artisans_uk]

Hi lonelygoldfish, so sorry to hear about your wonderful Frankie being so unwell. It is always a difficult question to have to answer for us as carers to our fluffs. To be honest, if you are asking the question then as you say, you know the answer. It seems that Frankie is struggling and is in a lot of discomfort as she isn't happy for you to hold her. If her abdomen is larger then it really won't be comfortable for her to move or even curl up to sleep.
It sounds as if she has been a star though, to keep going as she has been.
We need to make the decision for our fluffs so that they don't have to suffer, I would think that most of us will agree with you that the time has come to help her.

Just a comment about you saying how quickly she has gone downhill, my own vet reminded me of this recently, remember it is quick for us but a week is a long time for a hamster and so developments seem to happen very rapidly to us.

Keeping you and Frankie in my thoughts. x

[lonelygoldfish]

Thank you Artisans... I've decided to ring the vets first thing tomorrow to make an appointment. I just don't want her to be in pain anymore.

[Artisans_uk]

We'll be thinking of you and Frankie.
Take care x

[cypher]

So sorry to read this lonelygoldfish, I think Artisans has said all there is to say really, they do go downhill very fast, I've been reminded by my vet that a week is actually quite a long time for a ham too, it just seems all too short to us.
You know your ham best & know in your heart what is best for Frankie, it's never an easy time but your are doing the kindest thing for your little one.
Thinking of you both.