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Old 07-05-2017, 05:23 PM   #1
Stardust79
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Unhappy Tumors and Euthanasia dilemma?

I am struggling with a decision tonight. I will try to keep this to the point. My Syrian Peanut is 2 years and 9 months old now. Pretty good age. I love him dearly. About 4 weeks ago I took him to the vet as he had a lump under his ear with puss. The vet was pretty sure it was a tumor because of his age, but was also not 100% because he did present with an infected ear which around the lump. He was on baytril for 10 days by syringe, which was very stressful for him, but it cleared the puss. The lump did go down a little, until about 2 weeks ago. Then the last 5 days I have noticed it getting bigger and more red and angry. There is a head on the lump and he keeps scratching it constantly. He smells really bad too, his skin smells bad (I don't care about him smelling) But maybe a sign that he isn't well inside his body. I have been monitoring him on a daily basis. This evening he got up and he had a bit of a problem getting up to his water bottle (he is in a zoozone 2 with a bendy bridge up to the bottle) As he struggled a little, I noticed he had a mass under his arm on the same side as ear lump. It's quite large, half the size of a golf ball. Soft but solid. It wasn't there a few days ago, so whatever it is, it's fast growing. He is eating and drinking, running on his wheel. This is what makes the decision hard. He is all skin and bone, his legs are weak, but he is playing. I do not want him suffering. I am struggling with the fact that he is running on his wheel. Part of me deep down thinks I need to do the kindest thing before he suffers. I love him so much and he has been a massive part of my life. Do I leave him until he shows obvious signs of being unwell, or do I let him go on Friday?! I know the vet was suggesting it before he had the antibiotics. But I don't have much faith in her, as she put my robo to sleep when he was 17 months old due to a lump, which literally appeared over night. I hate making this decision, because I don't ever know if I am doing the right thing.
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Old 07-05-2017, 07:57 PM   #2
Drago
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Default Re: Tumors and Euthanasia dilemma?

I don't think you should doubt yourself so much, you know your ham better than anyone. Even better than your vet! If you think he's suffering, physically, then the kindest decision may be to let him go. It would be a different story if he just seemed "old", but from what you've described, it sounds as though he's in pain physically. Whether or not it's very painful, it cannot be comfortable for him, and the fact that another lump has appeared isn't a very good sign. I personally think it's downhill from here, and as you pointed out, it may be kinder to let him go before it becomes too painful.

This will have to be a decision based on how your heart feels. Does he just seem "ready"? You'll know when he's ready to go, you just need to take a step back, away from your emotions and truly look at how he is. Once you've done that, I'm sure you'll have your answer. Whatever you do choose, please keep us updated. Good luck, big hugs to you XXX
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Old 07-05-2017, 09:43 PM   #3
Rads
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Default Re: Tumors and Euthanasia dilemma?

Stardust,
Tumours grow exceptionally fast in Hamsters, our previous Syrian, Forrest had to be PTS at 20 months of age because of one.
Your little fella has had a mighty long life for a Syrian Ham, it would be kinder to him for a visit to the vets, personally I would say it is time to let him go. It is a decision that must be taken in the cold light of day, yes it is hard.
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Old 07-05-2017, 10:07 PM   #4
cypher
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Default Re: Tumors and Euthanasia dilemma?

I'm really sorry you have to make such a hard decision for Peanut Stardust, I tend to agree with the others, it is likely he is in pain now & suffering, tumours do grow very fast & it sounds as though he is deteriorating quite quickly, he has had a really good life with you & I do think the kindest thing would be to help him on his way to the bridge now before things get worse.
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Old 07-05-2017, 10:40 PM   #5
Thin Lizzy
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Default Re: Tumors and Euthanasia dilemma?

It's never an easy decision to make, I've had to make that decision a couple of times and it's heartbreaking but, in a way a relief because I knew they'd be at peace and pain free. As owners we do it because we love them.
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Old 07-05-2017, 11:29 PM   #6
Angelisodaa
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Default Re: Tumors and Euthanasia dilemma?

You know him best. If he seems to be really deteriorating quickly then i think it might be time for him to go. Listen to your gut, and put his comfort before yours. If you do decide to put him down, make sure he has the best day ever before he goes. Im sure he will tell all the other hamsters about you on the rainbow bridge. Make a decision and dont look back regreting it because at the time you it was the best choice. I wish you and peanut well.
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Old 07-06-2017, 08:48 AM   #7
Stardust79
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Default Re: Tumors and Euthanasia dilemma?

Thank you all He is booked in at the vet for tomorrow afternoon. I have made the decision. I don't want him suffering. Been in tears since last night. But I know it's the kindest thing to do. To let him go to sleep before he experiences pain. Hopefully he isn't in pain at the moment, but he really isn't looking right at all. I don't have favourites out of my hamsters. But Peanut has always been a delicate little soul. He was very nervous when I got him, but with a lot of patience and love, he learned to trust me. They bring so much love and joy, it's so hard when you have to say goodbye. But I wouldn't be without them.
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Old 07-06-2017, 08:56 AM   #8
Rads
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Default Re: Tumors and Euthanasia dilemma?

Stardust,
Mine and Pip's thoughts are with you and Peanut at this most difficult of times, here is an E-Hug sorry we can not offer more.
But rest assured you are doing the right thing for Peanut.
Pip and Rads
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Old 07-06-2017, 09:01 AM   #9
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Default Re: Tumors and Euthanasia dilemma?

So sorry he's doing poorly Rest assured you're making the kindest decision you could. Take your time to say goodbye, and spoil him with any treats he wants. Let us know how it goes. Big hugs to you XX
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Old 07-06-2017, 09:37 AM   #10
souffle
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Default Re: Tumors and Euthanasia dilemma?

You have been strong and made this decision from love. I think he sounds ready now for his last journey and the path will be gentle for him.
It is the hardest thing to do but you have to know in your heart when the time comes.
Thinking of you
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