Is it time?

lady jocardi · 01-01-2016, 03:34 PM

My precious Jocardi will not leave her nest tonight. No cuddles, no contact. She is eating and drinking... she did come out very briefly early evening and had a long drink.....but went straight back to bed. It's so hard to know what to do......hard to see her this way but would we be doing the right thing if we take her to the vets tomorrow to put her to rest? I don't want to do it too early...but obviously I don't want her to suffer.
Please help xx

kittokitty · 01-01-2016, 04:55 PM

could we have more context so that we can help you more easily?

lady jocardi · 01-01-2016, 05:09 PM

Sorry kitty. I posted earlier in the week about her being ill. I should have recapped. She's slowed down a great deal and is breathing heavily and shaking. She is 18 months and a visit to the vet confirmed she has neurological problems and will not improve. She's staying in bed but coming out briefly to eat and drink. She actually looks well....but her breathing looks laboured. Today she left her nest once but was not responding at all to our voices or food smells.
But...After I posted....she got up! Came out for a cuddle for a few mins. Obviously I don't want to see her suffering .....but I font want to call time too soon. It's so difficult. X

**kyrilliondaemon** · 01-01-2016, 05:16 PM

I'm really sorry to read this, I've always been a huge fan of Jocardi (and your daughter for helping with the name!)

Some hamsters (and other animals) do try and hang on forever and it is always really tough to know whats best. Personally I think once you're seriously asking the question then it can't be too early, but if left too long it could be later than you'd like. I can't know whats best for Jocardi but I do know that whatever you do will be the right decision and that if you feel its time then sadly you're probably right.

I'm really sorry you and Jocardi are in this position, I hope that whatever you decide and whenever her time does come, her passing is peaceful

lady jocardi · 01-01-2016, 05:28 PM

Thank you Kyrilliondaemon... you have always been a good friend and very supportive of us.
As I said....she made a liar of me ad came out briefly....then I guess I hope beyond hope that maybe she's not really so bad. Boy oh boy.....so tough xx

kittokitty · 01-01-2016, 07:39 PM

I agree with kyrilliondaemon. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this

Jenibelle · 01-01-2016, 07:50 PM

I know this is a very hard decision to have to make *hugs*, I'm sorry you're having to go through this.

cypher · 01-01-2016, 10:25 PM

This is always such a hard decision to make & I'm really sorry you have to go through this.
I think Kyril said it all really, they can fight on for some time but you will know in your heart when the time is right.

racinghamster · 01-02-2016, 02:29 AM

Looking at those images she looks bright eyed and she`s eating/drinking. Obviously we can`t see her moving around or what you see in terms of her routine, but I always leave things until the hamster stops eating, isn`t responding, looks weak/breathing pattern has changed and gives a true indication that their body has shut down. I`ve only had to euthanase one hamster all the others passed at home. Neurological conditions can sometimes mean that their routine won`t be the same. They might sleep more or become more active. Shaking can be a sign that the central nervous system is affected, but you need to determine whether the shaking is making her mobility fail or she`s falling over? If she`s just got slower and isn`t as active, I would say give her the benefit of the doubt. Is she warm enough in her nest? That`s important to a frail or older hamster as cold can affect them, especially if the weather outside gets cooler/frosty. x

lady jocardi · 01-02-2016, 02:45 AM

Thank you all....It means so much hearing from those of you who have been through similar and have experience and empathy. At 9ish last night I felt she was ready to go.... but.. she came out later and as you can see from the pics....looked very much with us. She was active again about 1.30 and even came to the door for cuddles. She was sleeping when I wet to bed but had been out in the night coz the treats and extra bedding had been collected. 9 am this morning she was rummaging about and even let me pick her out and I treated her to a touch of porridge! It's a rollercoaster of emotions ....