Hamster death, is illness to blame or just old age?

[Mynsii]

This morning, my 3 year old Syrian, Gherkin, passed away in my arms. He was a rescue we adopted a year ago (his former owners, co-workers,, locked him in a conservatory with no food or water as they were bored of him), and apart from being deaf was in relatively good health for the entire time we had him.

This morning I found him lying on the bottom of his cage, freezing cold. Due to his age, I'd have put his death down to old age. But I picked him up, wrapped him in a blanket and held him close to my chest for about an hour. He warmed up and even started to walk around fine, when suddenly he toppled over to one side, gasping wildly for air, and one eye started to bulge (almost out of its socket) with a milky white fluid coming out from it. His nose started to bleed from one nostril (same side as the eye), and he began squeaking in pain and spasming. I held him close and whispered soothingly/kept him as calm and still as I could, for about 5 minutes until he passed away.

I've reared hams for over a decade and a half, and have comforted many hamsters as they died of old age. Normally it's quite peaceful and they simply fall asleep and don't wake up. I've also had to have hamsters PTS due to illnesses such as cancer/pymoetra. However I've never had a hamster pass away quite so violently from apparent old age. The screaming sound he was making as he gasped for air was horrible, and I was genuinely worried he eye was going to either pop or come completely out of the socket as it was bulging at about 2-3 times its regular size.

What do you think may have caused this? I was fully expecting his death, given his age, but the pain he seemed to suffer in his final moments has really shaken me.

[Rads]

Hi Mynsil,
Sorry to hear about Gherkin, but at three years of age he was a very old Hamster indeed, the best thing is you took him in when he was unloved and abused and gave him a loving and caring home no hammy could ever want more.
As for his death, it could have been a massive stroke, or possibly an aneurism as these both affect the brain any pressure from blood etc could have caused the symptoms you have described.
I hope where ever the fellow is now he is running about doing the very best Hamster things he can do, if he meets Pip and Forrest I hope they get together and create Hamster Chaos.
Our best to you at this horrid time.
Ghost&Rads

[Ruth Edwards]

I'm so sorry you had that awful experience. That was a horrible way for gherkin to go. I hope it was fairly quick. I suppose if they dont die of something suddenly like that, they slowly go downhill until they can't eat, which might be worse for you both. You didn't have to make an end of life decision.
My ham Ivy, died like Gherkin did, and I wished that I hadn't revived her when she was cold, but then, if I had just left her I would have never known if I could have done something.
He certainly reached a great age, and you gave him a good life. He was a lucky little fella.
X Ruth

[Stardust79]

So sorry for you loss. It sounds like he had a lovely life with you. Because of his age, and what you have explained, it sounds like a stroke. I have witnessed one of my elderly hamster have a stroke. It was very upsetting to watch, but I stayed with her until she passed. I don't think they know anything really when they have a stroke. It is likely because of his age that he may of had cancer, which is very common with old hamsters. But the panting and the symptoms sound like a stroke. 3 is such a great age for a hamster, you obviously looked after him so well. There is nothing you could of done, but you cuddled him and that is all you can do. It's so sad when we lose them. Hugs x

[CMB]

Sorry for your loss. Run free at the bridge Gherkin.

[Thin Lizzy]

I'm so sorry Mynsii for your loss. Gherkin lived to a wonderful age and was dearly loved by you.
I'm sorry you had to witness him dying but he will have felt comfort and love in you holding him and speaking to him
Thinking of you and sending you huge hugs xxx