Leg paralysis

[Pebbles82]

None of the vets in our area will let you be with them when they have the injection. That is what I found hard. Also because of the gas they won't let you in the room. You can keep talking to him and tell him it's ok to go if he wants to. That will be you letting go.

It would be nice if vets could do home visits for hamsters, but they can't in the Uk, because of the gas. Whatever you decide will be the right thing because you love him. It is clearly nearly his time and we can't control what will happen. We can only go with what feels right. Do you think he is unconscious?

If he wants to sleep then that sounds quite comfortable. But obviously if that goes on too long then you wonder if you are prolonging suffering for him. Is he still taking food if you offer it?

[AprilPearl]

Originally Posted by Heather

Scamp sounds so lovely, thank you for telling me about him. I'm not sure if it's the same with Mary because he is close to 3 and he really isn't moving around at all - I'm not sure how long would be reasonable to wait? He isn't really trying to move anywhere, just rolling from side to side as if trying to get comfortable. He looks tired to me, his eyes don't look bright like they used to and he just seems to want to sleep

You're right, the situation is different, especially since you don't know what is causing this. Are his legs at odd angles? If so, it may be a fall. If they look fine physically, then it probably is something else which unfortunately may not be so easily fixed. Maybe you could take him to the vet and see whether they think there is any chance of recovery? On the one hand, the fact that he is eating and drinking is encouraging and he might get better. But, on the other, he could go downhill and stop eating or drinking. If you do not think he is suffering, then it might be worth leaving it two days or so to see whether he perks up. If it was a stroke, for example, I think recovery is possible, though given Mary's age he might not get over it. But, if he does seem to you to be in a lot of pain or if he stops eating or drinking then it is probably time. Sorry not to be able to give a more definitive answer. It is always a really hard decision to have to make and although it seems like it now, there is no wrong choice here so long as it is motivated by his best interests and your love. Remember also, that because hamsters are prey animals, they do conceal their pain. Thinking of you and Mary.

[Heather]

I didn't realise you couldn't have the choice to be with them. I wouldn't want to watch but I would like him to know I'm there.

He's sleeping now but he seems to wake up quite frequently. I'm trying to not disturb him, just when I see he's awake I offer him food and water - he's always taken them off me.

[Heather]

I don't think he had a fall as he's in a glass cage and there's nothing too high in there - he seemed to have gotten to his water ok on Thursday morning when I saw him roll down which makes me think a stroke is most likely the cause.

I will definitely discuss with the vet if ther is any chance of him recovering but my gut feeling is that they will suggest putting him to sleep. This is day 5 and it's such a long time for him to have not really moved at all.

I just wonder if he's suffering regardless of if he's in pain - not being able to get yourself food or water when you want it, I also wonder if he feels scared because he can't run away or burrow.

[AprilPearl]

Yes, 5 days is a long time and you are the best judge of his condition. Whatever the outcome, remember that you did your best for him. So sorry that you both had to go through this.

Also, it may vary between vets, but when our cat had to be put down they allowed us to be with him.

[Heather]

He just woke up and took some food from me again. I wish there was some way to know if he's in pain or not. I feel like I need a vet to look at him to tell me that, just if it turns out he's not in pain and would have been better left in his own cage then I'll feel terrible for stressing him out... but if I don't take him and he is in pain then I'll feel awful for not taking him. I feel there is just no right thing to do and I'm going to feel I let him down either way.

[cypher]

I know how hard this is Heather & I'm so sorry, it is certainly worth asking the vet if you can be with him if he does have to have the injection, it does seem to vary from vet to vet but I've had to have two PTS & was with them both, the second time I held my ham in my hand while the vet gave her the injection & it was very peaceful if totally heartbreaking for me.

[Heather]

I've just gotten back from the vets, we ended up going at 11. The vet said that it looked like nerve damage as he could move his legs but had no control over them. She said that they could try anti inflammatories but that he wouldn't regain control of his legs and that in her opinion it would be kinder to let him pass peacefully. My dad came with me and we all agreed, he looked so weak and frail and I just wanted him to be at peace. The vet took him away and he was given gas and then an injection. I feel heart broken but I feel a strange sense of relief now that I know he isn't suffering. The vet really reassured me that it was the kindest thing. They wrapped him in some cotton wool and I've brought him home to bury with some of his favourite things.

[BorisPasha]

So sorry to hear this Heather, what a hard and heartbreaking decision to have to make. You've done the kindest thing for him though and I'm glad that you feel relief and knowing he is no longer suffering. Hugs to you x

Have fun at the bridge little one.

[cypher]

I'm so very sorry Heather, you did the kindest thing hard though it is & I understand that sense of relief along with the grief, he's at peace now & that's what matters most.
Hugs.