Making an ill hammy a little more comfy?

princessbear · 01-01-2017, 06:08 AM

Hi everyone,

Over the past few months my little hammy Bear has not been very well at all, shes nearing 2 years now and it's upsetting to see her this way.
A few months ago she started scratching herself to the point where her whole neck and tummy where bald along with her legs and bum. I thought the it might be cushings but the vet could never be sure. A month after this she started bleeding, the vet could tell it was from the womb and he prescribed her a steroid for every other day.
Immediately the scratching stopped and her coat has nearly all grown back however the bleeding has continued. During this time she has slowed down a little bit and started drinking more, shes still eating and still gets up every now and then.
In the past few days she has slowed down a little more though and whilst shes still eating and drinking she does prefer sleeping in her cube. If i bring her out for a little run around shes happy to do so for a little bit.
I just wanted to know if anyone had any tips for me to make her comfy? I dont think its the end for Bear yet and know shes a little fighter so hopefully she gets through it. She currently is on antibiotics and i give the steroid once evey 5 days or so, she lives in a one level cage.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated I really don't want to lose her just yet

**Cinnamon Bear** · 01-01-2017, 12:44 PM

I has a Russian dwarf hammy who started bleeding from her uterus/ womb & it was a tumor on the uterus causing the bleeding, she was going for surgery but vet he didn't think she'd survive.

Pebbles82 · 01-01-2017, 02:16 PM

She sounds to be doing really well. I think I would want a diagnosis for the bleeding if possible to know what the right treatment would be. On the other hand, it would be stressful taking her to the vets again and disturbing her. I don't know what to suggest really. It sounds like it could be cushings as the steroid treatment helped. And the antibiotics seem to be helping with the womb (which may be an infection). Do you think she is in pain at all? If so, maybe the vet could give Metacam as well (anti-inflammatory and for pain relief). You could ask if they would prescribe it without needing to bring her in. They might as they have seen her before.

princessbear · 01-01-2017, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

She sounds to be doing really well. I think I would want a diagnosis for the bleeding if possible to know what the right treatment would be. On the other hand, it would be stressful taking her to the vets again and disturbing her. I don't know what to suggest really. It sounds like it could be cushings as the steroid treatment helped. And the antibiotics seem to be helping with the womb (which may be an infection). Do you think she is in pain at all? If so, maybe the vet could give Metacam as well (anti-inflammatory and for pain relief). You could ask if they would prescribe it without needing to bring her in. They might as they have seen her before.

We've been to the vets quite a few times before and whilst I do want to know the diagnosis for the bleeding the vet said that they'd have to do it under a general anaesthetic and we both think that its just too high a risk and the results may come back with nothing. I'll ask about metacam - is there a big main indicator for pain? To me shes acting normally apart from being a bit lethargic

chesca_27 · 01-01-2017, 06:48 PM

Hamsters are very good at hiding pain so the lethargy would be a sign of discomfort. Metacam is kind of a safety measure as it will help with any inflammation (bleeding could be inflammation) and also relieve any pain (lethargy) so a win-win. Hopefully they can prescribe it without a visit. They may say no, as there is a law which states that a vet must give a physical examination on the animal, before prescribing any antibiotic, but I don't know how different it would be for Metacam after regular consultations. I've had repeat prescriptions without consultations for my guinea pig, though.

I would avoid anaesthetic at her age. It sounds like you're doing all the right stuff for her.

She may appreciate some extra nesting material and a treat. Something like a bit of porridge would be nice for her. Soak some oats in hot water, then microwave for about 20 seconds, let it cool slightly, then give it to her. Linseeds might be nice for her, given that she was scratching a lot. Linseeds are good for fur. Jasper licks them off of my finger. She may like some extra seeds as well. Maybe sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds?

I hope she gets well soon. It sounds like she's doing well for her age and given her current situation.

Pebbles82 · 01-02-2017, 02:07 AM

I also think that Metacam would be a good move - because you can't tell if they're in pain sometimes - as Chesca says, they are good at hiding it. But I think most vets assume there is pain if they have some kind of illness and are a certain age and prescribe it to avoid any suffering. It would be worth asking if they can prescribe it without seeing her - and yes I think you're right not to stress her out with further investigations.