I’m worried about my hamster

Giraffeabby · 03-20-2018, 04:10 PM

About 4 weeks ago I noticed that my hamster was falling over whilst walking and it was happening quite frequently so I took her to the vets. He said that it was most like an in-ear ear infection. He put her on antibiotics for 10 and painkillers for 7. Within this time it went away. A day or 2 after these medicines stopped it came back so I took her back to the vets. He suggested putting her on the antibiotics and painkillers for another 2 weeks, so I did. She finished these on Friday and I noticed that her walking became uneasy on Sunday. Today is tuesday and I think she is starting to fall over again but a lot less frequent (it usually gets worse gradually). I’m really worried that the only other option is to have her put down because she is quite old (2 and a half) and I feel as though it would be mean to keep her in pain. Has anyone got any suggestions as to if the vet was right or to what I should do?

souffle · 03-21-2018, 08:34 AM

It could be that the inner ear is damaged now and she may not get over that. If she is doing well enough on the meds I would ask him to let her stay on them so that she stays comfortable for the remainder of her life. Maybe try dropping the antibiotics to see if she stays stable otherwise. Sometimes hammies have a stroke that can cause similar symptoms and they don't always fully recover.
I'd see how she does and give her a little longer. If she is still seeming happy and doing hamstery things I wouldn't rush with the PTS.

Giraffeabby · 03-21-2018, 01:25 PM

She came off of both medications on Friday and she has started to get worse again. She still eats and drinks as normal but very rarely come outs and never does anything that she used to such as going on her wheel. She also hate being in her ball so I’m just wondering wether it’s an age thing as she is 2 and a half.

souffle · 03-22-2018, 01:02 AM

She is a very old hamster now and if you feel she is in pain and has had enough then I would speak with the vet and make a decision based on that as to giving her rest. I would always choose a day early over a day late to save her from any suffering. Whatever your choice made from love it will be the right one.
I hope her path is gentle x

Wildthunder · 03-22-2018, 08:09 AM

The exact same thing was happening to my hamster, Winter when she passed a few months ago.

I hope your hammy's not in pain...

Giraffeabby · 03-22-2018, 10:30 AM

Thank you for all your help, I’ve booked a vets appointment and I’m going to see what they say, I will let you know x

Wildthunder · 03-23-2018, 07:41 AM

Good luck with the vets, and I hope she's ok

Giraffeabby · 03-24-2018, 12:09 PM

I took peppermint to the vets today. They said that she had a tumour on her liver, you could feel it

unfortunately she was put to sleep, she isn’t in pain anymore though :’(

souffle · 03-24-2018, 02:22 PM

I'm so very sorry for your loss. You gave her the best chance possible and she was comfortable in her last days. You gave her the last great gift of peaceful rest even though it was hard for you.
Run free at the bridge Peppermint xx

GhostArya · 03-25-2018, 02:43 AM

Im so sorry for your lost, you did well to take her to the vets again and I believe she had great life with you.
Run free and play at the bridge Peppermint