Is it his time?

[SwaggySyrians]

I made a post a few months ago about this lump on Buzz's chest. It wasn't so much of an issue then, but it has since tripled in size. The vet seemed confident that it was fluid-filled and that he would be fine to have it drained. Although I decided to just bring him home and monitor him instead, as the process is expensive and she did say there'd be a chance that it would just fill straight back up again. It's never seemed to cause him any pain, but at this point, it's so incredibly large that it's half his size and he can't get around. He struggles just to walk to his food bowl most of the time. The lump has engulfed his two front legs, so he can't really use them properly. He has become thinner, a lot less active (I rarely see him anymore) and has been very stressed out lately - he's in desperate need of a clean out, but I can't even begin or he squeaks very loudly. Obviously he's old, and I can't expect him to act the way he used to, so that's less of a big issue right now. He keeps one eye constantly closed and looks to be in a constant 'just woke up from a three hour nap' kind of state.

Yesterday he seemed very frail and wobbly. He was out for much longer than usual - I picked him up, and when I placed him back down, he seemed very disorientated and walked in the opposite direction that he was originally going. He got to the end of the cage, bumped into it, and then walked into the opposite side. I had to direct him to his house.

I've come home today to find him building a separate nest away from his house. He's left all his food elsewhere and is just sat there, looking distant. My mum has told me to expect the worst, really.

He's acted in similar weird ways before, and each time I've worried that he's nearing the end of his life - but he always seems to bounce back. This time he just seems to be going downhill.

I just want him to be as comfortable as possible...do you think his time is coming to an end?

[Drago]

I'm so sorry about poor little buzz, and that you have to go through such a heartbreaking thing with him. From what you describe, it seems he would be nearing the end of his time you mention he's an older ham and getting it drained at this point, could cause him more stress and pain and alleviate nothing essentially. To me he sounds old and lost and quite reminds me of the condition my dog was in when I decided his time was coming to an end. If he doesn't seem to have a good quality of life, and pain seems to dominate his existence, the kindest thing to do would probably be to let him go.

Here's a few questions to ask to decide
Is he "him" anymore?
Does he seem happy?
Does he enjoy playtime?
Does he enjoy interaction?
Does he seem in pain?
Is his injury inhibiting him from any activities he otherwise would be able to carry out?

Whatever decision you make has to be in his best interests. In most cases of old hams, it's a matter of the owner deciding whether or not he or she is gone. However, in your case he is very ill and hurting and the kindest thing to do might just be to say goodbye despite how hard it will be. You will want to consult with your vet about the prospect of euthanasia and see what they say, they will have some helpful tips to give you and they will add their opinion as well which may help you make the decision. From the experiences of most people, they're given gas or an injection that makes them fall asleep or relax first, and then the lethal injection is administered to them. I recommend bringing your ham to the vet in his cage with his favorite treats when the day comes so he feels comfortable and has as little stress as possible. Up until his final days, and through them as well, only remove soiled bedding and keep the rest. There's no need to change the bedding and risk setting him off especially at the fragile state he's in. Move his food dish and water bowl/bottle close to his nest and add extra bedding and nesting material to keep him warm. Talk to him and reassure him it will all be okay. I'm really sorry again that you have to make such a heartbreaking decision and that he has to go through this. It's a shame our tiny friends can't stay around just a little longer, but take pride in knowing that you provided him a great and loving home to live his life out in, and he must feel very safe and secure in it. Best wishes and please keep us updated on how everything is going

[Rads]

Hi Swaggy,
sorry to hear about Buzz, from the sound of it he seems to be in quite a lot of discomfort, also with him seemingly getting suddenly frail and wobbly it is likely that he is developing a tumour, our previous Hammy Forrest went very much like that when he was very wobbly when he fell over he could not get back up again.
I would probably say it is likely to be his time and having him PTS at the vets would be the kindest thing to do for him not for you though.

[SwaggySyrians]

Thank you for your kind replies - I think having him put to sleep may be the best decision now. He is here today and has moved back and forth from his new nest and his old one a few times, although he's now sleeping in his newly dug one in the corner. I've tried not to disturb him too much apart from a gentle stroke every few hours to see how he's doing. He's been sleeping all day obviously so I can't say whether or not he's gotten worse. I bought him a crocodile dog chew (I can't remember the name, but if you've ever seen a hamster treat haul you'll know what I mean) and he actually got up to nibble it. Only for a second though.

My parents are out all day today and work all week, so I don't think I can get him to the vet before next weekend. If he doesn't pass away on his own before then, it'll probably need to be next weekend when I say goodbye.

I'll post again if anything changes, thank you for your help

[Drago]

I'm so sorry it has come to this Keep him warm and comfortable in his last week with yummy treats and things he likes. I hope all goes well and is quick and painless. Please keep us all updated

[SwaggySyrians]

UPDATE

I went to check on him shortly after writing that post and he was completely still. He seemed to be breathing normally and his eyes were shut, so he just looked to be sleeping. When I picked him up he didn't move at all, just stayed curled up, and I thought he'd passed for a moment. I left him in his nest for a little bit, but he just seemed to be getting worse so I brought him out in a fleece blanket. He's now laying on the sofa on my lap in his blanket.

He is barely breathing at this point - he doesn't breathe and then every few seconds or so he takes a few deep, uncomfortable looking breath. He can't close his eyes or blink, and I think he's very close to the end.

I think tonight will be his last night.

[Drago]

Oh no poor baby! good job keeping him warm and loved, snuggle him and be there until the end. It does sound like he's nearing the end, I hope when his time is here, it's quick and painless. Let us know how everything's going with little buzz, sending lots of sympathy your way

[Pebbles82]

So sorry xxxx. It sounds like he is unconscious. Charlie was like this. He will know you are there. I hope he passes peacefully. Vets do have out of hours appointments if you need to go xxx

[SwaggySyrians]

Buzz passed away this evening in the blanket in my arms. He was struggling to breathe for several hours and I could do nothing but hug him. I left him with my mum for a few minutes and when I returned he was barely breathing. The moment I held him again he stretched out, shut his eyes and passed away.

Thank you so much for your helpful responses everyone, Buzz is at peace now.

[Drago]

I'm so sorry for your loss may little buzz rest in peace