My hamster has been put to sleep

sharonc · 06-03-2018, 09:09 AM

Hello,

My beautiful long haired Syrian has left this world and I'm heartbroken.

He was approx 21 months old and fine although a little slower and thinning fur. I saw him standing on his back legs with eyes closed which was very unusual and his nose and front was wet so I gave him a wipe and put him in his bed. I checked a little later and his breathing was noisy so I called the vet and took him down. The vet listened to his chest and said he could hear the fluid in his lungs and that the noise would be because he couldn't get air into his lungs and it was likely to be heart failure. He said there was nothing he could do and that the kindest thing would be to let him go. He did suggest giving him an injection to try and remove the fluid and see him the next day but that was a long time for him to suffer. After consideration I decided to do what I thought would be kinder and put him to sleep but now I'm doubting if it was the right decision as I am bereft.

Has anyone experienced anything similar?

souffle · 06-03-2018, 09:23 AM

I'm so sorry for you loss.
Heart problems are not uncommon in hamsters sadly and when the fluid builds in the lungs this is end stage and the treatment would only give you very little extra time if it did work.
Never regret a decision made from love - it was the right thing to do and he is away from any pain now.
Run free at the bridge little one x
Please feel free to make a memorial for him on our memorial board x

dreamtree1234 · 06-03-2018, 10:42 AM

I'm so very sorry for your loss of such a beloved ham. He had a wonderful, long life filled with so much love and care from you. Please do not second guess your decision to help him to his next huge adventure. Your decision was made from unconditional love and was the kindest thing you could have done for him. Now he is no longer in pain, and he is at peace at the Rainbow Bridge. May all of your many, wonderful memories of him bring you comfort and peace and help to ease your heartbreak. My heart goes out to you, and I am sending you hugs. Please know that we are all here for you.

RIP, little one. May your adventures be many at the bridge.

sharonc · 06-03-2018, 11:14 AM

Thank you for your assuring words, it is a difficult time.

I can't contemplate getting another as it wouldn't be the same, I never thought I'd get so attached to a hamster as he was my first, he followed me all over in his later months, I miss him so.

polishrose · 06-03-2018, 11:18 AM

So sorry for your loss ((((Hugs))))

livedinhogwarts · 06-03-2018, 11:25 AM

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful hammy. It was the kindest thing to do to allow him to be away from the pain, so please don't regret your decision. You gave your hammy the best care you possibly could and he is at peace now. You gave him so many wonderful memories and moments, and I hope your pain is lessened by the happy memories and knowing that you loved him unconditionally and that he also loved you unconditionally. My thoughts are with you during this hard time of yours.

RIP little hammy x

souffle · 06-03-2018, 11:25 AM

sharonc remember that each little one that shares our lives makes our hearts grow bigger. When they are called there is room for them and also enough room for you, when you are ready, to take another little one in there. You will know when he is safely settled as he will send you a rainbow or a white feather from his angel wings as a sign.
You will maybe one day feel ready to let another hammy share your life and he will start that cycle again. It will be at the time that feels right for you.
Most of us know the pain of such a loss. If you feel the need to talk to someone the Blue Cross have a helpline number here : https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-ber...BoC9ncQAvD_BwE

What was his name?

dreamtree1234 · 06-03-2018, 11:29 AM

Our little hams our very small, but they always leave HUGE paw prints in our hearts. Take time to heal your broken heart, and know that many of us have been in your shoes and totally know what you are going through. Whether or not you ever decide to open your heart to another precious ham in the future, it is totally understandable and your choice. Regardless, we are here for you and hope you find peace and happiness again one day. Hugs.

sharonc · 06-03-2018, 01:18 PM

Thank you all for your kind words, it's going to take time to come to terms with the loss of Peanut, his cage remains in place until I can face sorting it out. Such a small animal yet a huge impact on my heart, bless him.