EMERGENCY!! Hamster dying

xFluffyHamsterx · 04-25-2018, 03:48 PM

Hi all my Syrian hamster is 1 and a half years old. He was active all day and just went to check him and he’s laying on his side quite still not responding to us. I took lid off he’s breathing shallowly and his muscles are contracting roughly once a minute? He’s trying to move but then stops. His eyes are still shut and he looks relaxed. Doesn’t respond to being touched either. It’s nearly 12pm so cant call a vet. Is it best to leave him to die peacefully or do I try giving him CPR or something (don’t laugh). Or is it even possible he’s in hibernation?

Pebbles82 · 04-25-2018, 03:59 PM

I am sorry he's not doing well. It could be possible he's got too cold. It turned colder again the last few days after warm weather - we turned our heating off and it was really cold last night - our Syrian stuffed his house entrance up with Fitch so I guess he felt the cold. So we turned the heating back on again.

They don't actually go into hibernation as such, it's called torpor when they get too cold. Does he feel cold? If he feels warm I would leave him if he looks comfortable probably. If he feels a bit cold and as you say his breathing is shallow and a long time between breaths it is possibly torpor or on the way to it.

Without knowing I would be tempted to gently snuggle him him against your body warmth maybe with a blanket around him as well and if you have a hot water bottle you could have - hot water bottle wrapped in the blanket so it isn't too hot.

Also make sure the room stays warm at around 20 degrees which is normal when the heating's on. If it isn't torpor and he is dying I am sure he would like to feel comfortable against you and you will find out whether he improves or gets worse.

SunnyOy · 04-25-2018, 04:03 PM

Try to wake him up by his favourite treats? If not responding, please hold him softly in your hand and try to feel his heartbeat by your finger. Under normal situation, even though he may seem calm and relaxed, his heartbeat is fast, maybe around 3-4 times per second. If it is not the case, do CPR

Pebbles82 · 04-25-2018, 04:18 PM

I wouldn't try attempting anything like CPR personally. He is breathing so his heart is working and you could break bones - they are very fragile. Apparently they aren't cold to touch when they're in torpor so if he's warm it could be either.

I would just go on the basis that he may be in torpor and gently snuggle/warm him against your body and talk to him. Whether he is dying or not he will know you are caring for him xxx

dreamtree1234 · 04-25-2018, 08:37 PM

I just noticed your post. I'm sorry your ham isn't doing well. I will be hoping that he will be alright. I would cuddle, comfort, and keep him warm as best as you can. I hope that helps. Good luck.

xFluffyHamsterx · 04-26-2018, 03:18 AM

Hiya all. Just woke up this morning to find my little baby passed away during the night 😭😭 I’m devestated and so so sad. He seemed to have a bloody lump on his abdomen area and blood on his hands. He is cold and very stiff. Thanks all for your amazing answers I’m sure he is so much happier and bouncing around in hamster heaven! Now the question is how do I dispose his body?

RIP Little man age 1 and a half.

Nadia · 04-26-2018, 03:26 AM

So sorry for your loss.x

Pebbles82 · 04-26-2018, 03:40 AM

I am so sorry xxx It must have been his time. Yes he has gone to the Rainbow Bridge and he will meet our Charlie and all the other much loved hamsters on here who have gone there.

If you have a cardboard box - eg tissue box - you could wrap him in some tissues and put him in the box and then bury him somewhere. Some people bury their hamsters in a large planter and put a plant on top. Or you can bury them in the garden but you need to dig quite a deep hole for that - at least 2 feet - and put a heavy stone or similar on top after you've filled it in. To stop other critters digging them up again. You could then maybe mark it with something.

There are also pet cremation services but they tend to cost.

There is some info here

Hamster Club :: When a hamster dies

https://www.wikihow.com/Mourn-a-Hamster%27s-Death

If you don't have a garden you could use a large plant pot - the large planters that sit outside. I am not sure how you do this but someone else may know.

Your vet may be able to advise on cremation services otherwise.

dreamtree1234 · 04-26-2018, 04:13 AM

I am SO sorry for your loss; my heart goes out to you. Your beloved, little one is now running free and playing at the Rainbow Bridge. He will live on in your memories and in your heart always. Hugs to you.

RIP, darling fluff. You are gone but never forgotten.

CMB · 04-26-2018, 11:02 AM

Sorry to hear your hamster has gone to the rainbow bridge/died.