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Old 06-24-2009, 07:30 PM   #1
rebel
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Default Please Help! Diabetic Emergency!

My dwarf hamster Poonchki is diabetic and I am extremely worried about him. I checked his glucose levels (lowest they have ever been) and his ketones (as high as the test measures) on Monday, however I haven't been able to check them today. He is extremely weak, his breathing is heavy, and his eyes are partially closed. He has lost a lot of weight (he was a bit chunky on Monday, but today he is as light as a feather), and his body temperature seems to be lower than normal. I took him out of his cage and he just laid in my hands (extremely un-Poonchki-like) and after about 15 minutes he slowly started moving around (normally, his only speed is 'Fast'). He is on a no sugar, etc... diet and 50/50 pedialite/water sol'n, however he hasn't had pedialite in two days. The last few days have been extremely hot and humid and I am wondering if this (and the lack of pedialite) could be the cause of all this. He just drank his pedialite/water sol'n and is now resting under the water bottle. He looks awful and I am SO worried about him. Is there anything I can do to help him feel better? Is his life in danger right now?
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Old 06-25-2009, 12:51 AM   #2
internet_nobody
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Default Re: Please Help! Diabetic Emergency!

Pedialyte contains sugar, I always wonder why it is suggested to re-hydrate diabetic hamsters. That's probably why you've found his sugar to be at its lowest rather than a change in the condition. The extreme weightloss is probably linked to the ketone spike, using body fat as an energy source (gluconeogenisis) produces high levels of ketones.

I guess with the heat dehydration will be more of a problem and might be why he is so lethargic, but even when the diet is controlled the lifespan of a diabetic hamster is considerably shorter so sadly it may just be his time
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Old 06-25-2009, 05:02 AM   #3
rebel
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Default Re: Please Help! Diabetic Emergency!

Thank you for your advice. Poonchki took his last breath in my hands this morning
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Old 06-25-2009, 05:08 AM   #4
Cat-J
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Default Re: Please Help! Diabetic Emergency!

Sorry for your loss
Glad you were with him when he passed though.
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Old 06-25-2009, 06:34 AM   #5
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Default Re: Please Help! Diabetic Emergency!

Sorry for your loss, RIP Poonchki.
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Old 06-25-2009, 08:33 AM   #6
souffle
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Default Re: Please Help! Diabetic Emergency!

Sorry to hear of your loss. He had a lot longer with you thanks to your care and special diet and he really did have a lovely and happy life. Play well at the bridge little man
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Old 06-26-2009, 10:35 AM   #7
rebel
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Default Re: Please Help! Diabetic Emergency!

Thanks for the condolences everyone. And thank you for all of your help over the last six months. It was a sad day yesterday.
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