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Old 05-22-2017, 03:15 AM   #1
anet
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Default Very sick hamster, don't know what to do

My female Syrian hamster is about 14 months old and for the last few weeks has been deteriorating rapidly, and I'm at a loss as to what to do now, and very upset and disturbed at her suffering, so I thought I'd come here for any advice. It started with some strange looking reddish patches on her underbelly, with fur loss in these places only. As it was getting worse, and she was starting to look and act sick too, I took her to the vet, who took swabs and said it was an infection (possibly that had spread from an unnoticed wound), and gave me anti biotics and painkillers for her. Having finished the course, she is now looking even worse, and her underside looks like a horrible mess (I took a pic but it seems too distressing to post it). To be honest, every morning I wake up and except to find her dead, which would be a relief for her and me, as she can hardly walk without toppling over, and on the rare occasion she does she is bent up with a hunch, and her eyes are almost closed the whole time. But she is still eating and drinking (mainly with me bringing the food and water bottle right up to her).

I can't believe she has gone on like this for around 2 weeks now, and not died, so I am now at the point where I am thinking should I take her back to the vets? Is it worth trying more anti biotics, or having her euthanised? It may seem like a no brainer, but I am a single parent on a low income and the first vet visit cost me £60, which had to come out of my money for rent payment. So I need to think very carefully before spending any more money at the vets, which could be to no avail. If money were no issue for me I'd take her back to the vet in a heartbeat. And if I knew there was a chance that she could make a miraculous recovery with more medicine, I would use my money for rent again and deal with the consequences later. So I suppose that's why I'm posting this, to gauge opinion, and maybe shed some light on what's wrong.
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Old 05-22-2017, 06:48 AM   #2
souffle
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Default Re: Very sick hamster, don't know what to do

I'm sorry she is so ill. It could be a rapid progressing cancer.
If you know in your heart that life is too much for her now let her go in peace. her behavior sounds like she is telling you she is ready to cross over the bridge.
Make the appointment and know you have made the choice from love and that choice is never wrong
I hope her path is gentle x
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Old 05-22-2017, 07:04 AM   #3
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Very sick hamster, don't know what to do

So sorry to hear she is in a bad way. If the antibiotics haven't helped I think it sounds like it would be kinder to help her on her way. She does sound very poorly. So hard. But she will be playing free over the rainbow bridge without pain. I'm not sure where you're based but £60 sounds very expensive. I've had medications and vet appointments and never paid more than £20 for a vet visit. It might be worth ringing around a few vets and asking how much they charge. I think when it is to be pts there is only a minimal fee, and the vet might advise at the same time, if they think any further treatment will help.
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Old 05-22-2017, 07:09 AM   #4
anet
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Default Re: Very sick hamster, don't know what to do

Thanks. Yes, I think you are right. I just wish I could figure out what was wrong with her. I've spent hrs trying to diagnose on the internet, but nothing seems to fit. I've kept many hamsters and have never seen anything like it. They just get old and die "suddenly". It's putting me off ever keeping a hamster again
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Old 05-22-2017, 07:13 AM   #5
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Default Re: Very sick hamster, don't know what to do

I am very interested in hamster illnesses and have quite a lot of experience with these. Can you PM me a picture so I can see if I can help ease your mind as to what it looks like. Click on my name and the send a PM and it will take you to a message box
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Old 05-22-2017, 07:21 AM   #6
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Default Re: Very sick hamster, don't know what to do

Anet, I am so sorry that you, your kids, and your sweet hammy are going through this. Unfortunately, your hammy sounds like she is not getting any better from the antibiotics, so I would try to take her to the vets if at all possible. If the vets don't believe that there is anything that could help cure her, it may be that helping her pass without any more pain would be the kindest thing you could do for her. If at all possible, I would definitely call to see if there are any other options for a more affordable vet in your area. That way, it will give you as many options as possible. I am also so sorry to hear that money is very tight for you and can imagine the terrible dilemma it puts on you, but do whatever you think is best and know that you are doing all that you can. I will be keeping you, your kids, and your hammy in my thoughts and prayers. Very best wishes and hugs to you all.

I just read Souffle's previous post. I do hope that you can find out what is truly wrong with you hammy. Souffle is AWESOME! Praying for the very, VERY best.
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Old 05-22-2017, 07:36 AM   #7
anet
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Default Re: Very sick hamster, don't know what to do

Quote:
Originally Posted by souffle View Post
I am very interested in hamster illnesses and have quite a lot of experience with these. Can you PM me a picture so I can see if I can help ease your mind as to what it looks like. Click on my name and the send a PM and it will take you to a message box
Thanks very much - I have sent the pic (if it worked, I am new to this stuff). Forgot to mention she looks very wet in the pic too, but I think a lot of that is because she'd been sleeping under her water bottle.
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Old 05-22-2017, 07:46 AM   #8
anet
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Default Re: Very sick hamster, don't know what to do

I used Vets4Pets, which is supposed to be "affordable"! It seemed to the cheapest in my area, and cheaper than Pets At Home. But yes, £60 for a consultation and medicine hit me hard. Just wish it was cheaper, or at least had helped. The vet did mention Cushings Disease as a possiblity, but I looked at the thread here about it, with the pictures, and it didn't quite seem to fit. It's been a quick deterioration, and didn't start with a change in pigment or general patchy hair loss, it started with red lumps on her underside.
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Old 05-22-2017, 08:55 AM   #9
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Very sick hamster, don't know what to do

I am sure Souffle will be able to help - she is very experienced in hamsters. What kind of bedding is she on and have you changed to a different one recently? Just wondering if it could be an allergic reaction, but it does sound a bit more serious than that.
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Old 05-22-2017, 09:00 AM   #10
anet
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Default Re: Very sick hamster, don't know what to do

I usually the woolly one for hamsters from wilkinsons, combined with sawdust and newspaper, and I thought at first it may be a reaction to the bedding as I'd tried a new one out from a garden centre, which I quickly discarded when I first noticed the symptoms. Unfortunately it didn't make a difference after I'd removed all the woolly bedding
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