Ivy has diabetes

[Cinnamon Bear]

I just saw Ivy Rose drinking excessively & proceeded to test her urine with my Keto-Diastix strips & she tested real dark brown.

What do I do? Should I care for a sick hammie AGAIN, or bring her back to the store???

I've only had her 2 days I'm very sad

Which is why I'm not supposed to have Russians ever again. But I didn't stick to my plan when she was a gift

[AmityvilleHams]

Just keep in mind that diabetes is not an immediate death sentence.It is manageable and doesn't immediately mean your hamster will be ill or die,so please try not to panic.

As long as you feed a diabetes friendly dwarf food(Burgess dwarf ideally)and do not feed sugary treats then you should be fine

[Cinnamon Bear]

Cinnamon Bear was dying of diabetes at just a year old. He was real oily and skinny. He had no quality of life. It was heart-breaking to see him go down hill so quickly. It is stressful to take care of a sick animal.

What is the consensus? Take care of her or return her tomorrow? I hope for honest answers and hopefully I'll do the right thing.

I was in the store and saw another black & white cutie drinking excessively in the same tank as Ivy Rose. I think that Burgess is expensive in the states, not completely sure on that.

She seems happy, exploring her new environment. She's at a good weight, a very friendly personality. She's been up and down playing all day. Plus she's real cute imo.

Would it be cruel to return her? I don't think I could do it. But thinking down the road I already know what to expect especially when she tested this dark brown at this point in her life.

Any kind opinions welcome?

[chesca_27]

I would keep her and care for her because you know she will have the best life possible with you. If you return her, you don't know where she will end up, but I guarantee it she won't have the amazing care and life that you give all of your hamsters. I don't know much about diabetes in hamsters, so I can't help you with that, but I can offer you my support.

[AmityvilleHams]

I don't think it costs that much,even if you need shipping.If you're getting an order from Viovet it should be one rate for a whole order,which you can check yourself to see how many bags you can get for one price.Still,even if you're paying more it is so much better to pay more for a good quality food that will be safe for a hamster with diabetes rather than feed the junk that is available in the US or something with fruit etc from the US.There is no single food in the US that would be diabetes friendly,nor would there be a diabetes friendly combination for that matter.Some foods might seem okay,but to get enough protein you'd have to combine foods and those foods that get combined always have some form of extra sugar that isn't good for diabetic hamsters

The oily fur and skinny part could be due to poor nutrition,which is very much a problem.Plus,there are lots of other factors rather than just assuming it was diabetes that did it when there are plenty happy and healthy diabetic hamsters out there who just need a bit of extra care with their diet!

[Cinnamon Bear]

Thanks Chesca, I feel it would be cruel to return her cause she's sick. What if I got returned if somebody found out I was sick. To a poorly pet store when it had a new home of her own.

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

I don't think it costs that much,even if you need shipping.If you're getting an order from Viovet it should be one rate for a whole order,which you can check yourself to see how many bags you can get for one price.Still,even if you're paying more it is so much better to pay more for a good quality food that will be safe for a hamster with diabetes rather than feed the junk that is available in the US or something with fruit etc from the US.There is no single food in the US that would be diabetes friendly,nor would there be a diabetes friendly combination for that matter.Some foods might seem okay,but to get enough protein you'd have to combine foods and those foods that get combined always have some form of extra sugar that isn't good for diabetic hamsters

The oily fur and skinny part could be due to poor nutrition,which is very much a problem.Plus,there are lots of other factors rather than just assuming it was diabetes that did it when there are plenty happy and healthy diabetic hamsters out there who just need a bit of extra care with their diet!

Amity, CB had an enormous appetite and I feed them the best food possible. I'm assuming you think I should keep her. That's the question I have right now. I'll go on Viovet or Amazozn and check the prices now

Also, I've had about 4-5 diabetic hammys, so I know it isn't pleasant towards the end of their life, but of course they deserve a good life.

[Drago]

I'm sorry to hear about the sad news cinnamon bear! as amity said, diabetes isn't a death sentence, and the afflicted animals can actually live completely normal lives. My family had a cat with diabetes when I was young and he lived to be about 17! Burgess dwarf is pricey in the states, but it can be bought off of amazon and it is definitely worth it. Especially since ivy seems to have diabetes. Before making a decision, you could always consult your vet and ask their opinion and inquire about the quality of life a diabetic ham can have! I'm sorry that you have to go through this, but take time to get to know her a little more before coming to a verdict. Keep us updated on how she is and your decision

[Cinnamon Bear]

Amazon wants $20 for one bag. There was only 1 bag available.
That doesn't seem the best way to go as to have a consistent diet
if Burgess isn't available when she needs it. The next bag up
for sale may be the same price or even more expensive, who
knows if it's past the expiration date or not also?

Checked Viovet, don't see them shipping to US?

[AmityvilleHams]

Viovet ship internationally.$20 is absolutely insane especially considering it is a very cheap food in the UK(despite being high quality),and definitely not something that could be justified for just one little bag

[Cinnamon Bear]

It is too expensive, Burgess