URGENT QUESTION-Hamster Tumor

Caro97songs · 05-25-2018, 12:56 PM

Hi,
I made this account to ask this. My hamster Winnie is almost 2 years old. About a month and a half ago she started developing a tumor and wet tail. I brought her to the vet and the vet said that they cannot do anything about the tumor because surgery is too risky. The vet gave me an antibiotic to give Winnie for the wet tail for 21 days which I did. The tumor has gotten larger and the wet tail has not gotten better. It looks like she has blood in her stool. Winnie has trouble moving now but she still eats/drinks. I don't know if it would wise to put her down or not. I don't know if she is suffering or not.

Should she be put to sleep? Would I be wrongly cutting her life short for putting her down? How do I know if she is in pain or not? I love her so much and I just want to do the right thing for her.

I tried attaching two photos of her tumor to this post-I am hoping it works.

souffle · 05-25-2018, 01:54 PM

I'm sorry to hear she is so ill. If the vet has said that nothing can be done and she is so unwell with the wet tail which may well be due to secondary tumours then you need to look carefully at her quality of life and may the decision based on what is best for her. A few days early in letting her fly free is much better that a few days late when she may feel pain. I do hope her path is gentle and you can find the strength to give her the greatest dift of all which is rest from any pain x

cypher · 05-26-2018, 12:36 AM

I'm so sorry to hear that Winnie is so unwell, it does sound as though she has now reached the point where you can only consider her quality of life & whether or not it is kinder to let her go, I tend to agree with souffle that a little early is always kinder than a little late.
It is a very hard decision to make I know but one that is made from the heart & when the time comes we can only give them the final gift of love.

Pebbles82 · 05-26-2018, 01:44 AM

At 2 years old she is really quite old and it does sound like helping her on her way would reduce her suffering, but only you can decide really as to how she seems and behaves. If you're in doubt it could be worth getting an opinion from an exotic vet - they are more experienced with hamsters. Google exotic vets in your area. Is she o any pain medication like Metacam because it sounds as if she may well need some.

dreamtree1234 · 05-26-2018, 03:01 PM

I'm so very sorry for you that your Winnie isn't doing well. Since the vet said that there is nothing more that can be done, I would consider her quality of life. Only you can make the decision of what is best for your little one. Regardless of whatever path you decide, I know that you will be making it out of love and what you think is best for her. My heart breaks for you both, and please know that we are here for you no matter what choice you decide. You both are in my thoughts and prayers. Huge hugs.