Is my baby hamster at rainbow bridge??? :(

Tinky · 01-24-2016, 01:45 PM

I have 2 hamsters from the same litter, a boy and a girl (in separate cages) I have had hamsters for 21years and normally can look after my fur babies with no issues, But My little boy Shadow has me confused, I got him and his sister Pebbles on christmas eve from a family friend, they were 6 weeks old, Shadow belongs to my 9yr old son and Pebbles is mine, My son found Shadow last night unresponsive in his cage, He isnt stiff, his limbs move, he just wont wake or repond tgo anything, I thought he had gone into Torpor, and have spent all day today trying to warm him, using all methods known to man... nothing, Ive even fed him warm porridge, he didnt even try to take it... Is Shadow at the bridge even if he is soft?? Does rigor mortis not happen?? or does it leave hamsters quickly?? And why would a 10 week old hamster die with no reason, he was very well looked after.
Sorry if this is a long post, Im very upset.

souffle · 01-24-2016, 02:15 PM

Can you look at his toenails Tinky. After death the blood in the toenails will clot and go a dark colour. If they are not dark he may not have passed over yet but if you have tried warming then it is unlikely.
Hamster do have rigor mortis but this stops and the body softens again after about 8 hrs or so.
I am sorry this has happened but it is something that does occur especially around this age. As the hamster grows there is something that will suddenly give in the body if they have been born with something like a heart valve defect or a weak blood vessel in the brain causing a haemmorhage. His passing would have been very sudden and instant in these cases and he will have flown free very quickly.

Tinky · 01-24-2016, 02:27 PM

thank you for your reply, Ive looked at his feet they are pale pink... all hamsters i have had went stiff after death and ALWAYS at over 2yrs... shadow has me dumbfounded. I dont know what to do, Im just crying, he's just a baby. xx

souffle · 01-24-2016, 02:29 PM

It's not whole foot Tinky - It;s the nail beds - you know like the quick of your finger nail. You need to look really hard at the nail to see if there is any dark blood in there. It's very hard when they are so young xx

Tinky · 01-24-2016, 02:32 PM

All I have done all day is bother the little dude, I dont like to disturb him any more, he is just a baby, But Ill try, This hamster has been in my life 4 weeks and is breaking my heart...

Tinky · 01-24-2016, 02:37 PM

If you just mean fingernails?... they are Black!!but i dont normally get a chance to look at hamster finger nails they are normally so fast... I think baby Shadow is dead (that was so hard to write)

souffle · 01-24-2016, 02:37 PM

I know but he is deeply unconcious Tinky and he won't know. Tell him you need to help him. He will feel your love and concern whether here or from the bridge if he has passed over.
If you feel it best then tuck him up warm and leave him till morning when you can see a vet who can listen for a heartbeat. If he has had a stroke or brain haemmorhage he may not be able to be revived now but you can then ease his path to the bridge.

souffle · 01-24-2016, 02:41 PM

Yes if the fingernails are black he has passed over. I'm so sorry Tinky.
You were not to know or been able to predict this so do not blame yourself. It;s nobody's fault. His life was short but he left precious pawprints in your heart.
Play well at the bridge Shadow x

Tinky · 01-24-2016, 02:42 PM

thank you, I know I wont sleep tonight, Im in work at 11, Ill be at the vets for 9.

souffle · 01-24-2016, 02:46 PM

If his nails are black Tinky he has passed and you don't need to see a vet unless you want reassurance that he has gone. You can safely bury him or do whatever you feel best. Your vet will be able to arrange cremation if you want that.
Remember he was loved and a short life filled with love is as valuable as any x