Another lump on Bailey - Page 5

Pebbles82 · 06-23-2018, 10:31 PM

These are tough times. Bailey is clearly living life and not ready to give up - but has these nasty sores that are causing him pain and discomfort. Not fair. I was thinking though, if the antibiotics helped him so much, and the Metacam, and considering his age, maybe he could just continue on them so he's comfortable. Do these lumps seem like abscesses? I think they may be if they clear up with antibiotics and then come back again. I think you should ask the vet about keeping him on antibiotics longer.

I actually had a raging tooth abscess for 9 months! And had to be on antibiotics for 9 months. Every time I stopped them it came back again, but with carrying on with them it controlled it. Long story but dentists wouldn't touch me with a bargepole until I'd had allergy tests for the local anaesthetic and it took 9 months to get the test.

So I quite understand what it's like for little Bailey. Although it's not generally good to give them too much antibiotic for too long (same with humans!) there are times when the relief of suffering is better than the risk of the long term medication.

I hope one of your nice young vets would agree to that and not get all protocol-ish about only a short course. And keeping him on the Metacam permanently would be good too.

The business of tooth abscess infections getting into the brain can happen with humans too if they're untreated - which is another reason I was on permanent antibiotics. If the antibiotics keep the infection at bay that's what he needs. OR - maybe he needs his teeth pulled! It may just be one or two of his back teeth. Then the abscess would go.

herbi7 · 06-25-2018, 07:31 AM

Thanks everyone. Thanks serendipity, wow 9 months is a long time to have a tooth abscess! Ouch! My concern is that even with the antibiotics and painkillers things haven't really cleared up enough for him to be comfortable. I was watching him last night for quite a while, the first thing he does when he wakes is go ow my nose hurts, and he makes sort of instinctive scratchy movements to try and help himself. I've just kept going with the meds as I thought it was worth it with him seeming so strong but I'm not convinced after the last couple of days he's battling it all quite so well. He's also got permanent diarrhoea now presumably because of the antibiotics and he can't balance well enough to clean himself properly. I feel he's losing a bit more dignity each day now and didn't go on his wheel at all yesterday. We're going back to the vets today so I'll see what the vet says but I don't think he's strong enough to go through anything like having a tooth pulled. He did manage to eat some broccoli stalk last night but only after I broke it into tiny bits for him because he couldn't balance and hold it in his paws at the same time. He hasn't eaten much porridge today. Both his eyes are infected again despite the antibiotics, poor little chap. He's done incredibly well but I'm feeling it's all becoming maybe too much of a struggle for him. I'll let you know what happens later.... Thanks for all the kind words! xx

dreamtree1234 · 06-25-2018, 07:45 AM

I'm so terribly sorry that he is doing worse now. He has been fighting the good fight trying to get better, but it probably would be best for him if you ask your vet for advice on what should be done now considering that his meds are now giving him diarrhea and his quality of life is really starting to deteriorate. I hate to suggest this but, if the vet doesn't know any other alternatives to help Bailey overcome all that is going on with him healthwise, it may be the kindest thing for him at this point to consider helping him find peace at the bridge so he no longer is in any pain or discomfort. I am really, REALLY sorry and am sending you HUGE hugs, and I will definitely be praying for you both. I hope that there is something more that can be done, but if not, I hope that Bailey will no longer be suffering. Please let us know what the vet suggests; my thoughts are with you and your darling Bailey.

cypher · 06-25-2018, 08:41 AM

I'm really sorry to read this herbi, Bailey has been such a trooper & done so remarkably well especially for his age but it does sound as though the struggle may be getting too much for him & his quality of life may not be what it should be, I hope the vet can give you some good advice but I know whatever happens you will do the very best for your little man.
Thinking of you both at this difficult time.

herbi7 · 06-25-2018, 11:16 AM

Thanks dreamtree and cypher. Well the vet and I made a joint decision that all things considered the best thing was for him to be pts. I'm comfortable with the decision but it feels so strange and hasn't really sunk in yet. I hate having to do that for my animals and it never seems to get any easier. He is curled up in his nest at the moment as if nothing happened. When I'm ready he'll join his brother in the garden but I'm not, yet!

cypher · 06-25-2018, 11:24 AM

I'm so sorry herbi, it is a hard thing to do I know & it doesn't ever get easier but it was the kindest thing for Bailey, I always try to think of it as the final gift of love that we can give them, it does take time to sink & to come to terms with but take your time & take comfort knowing he couldn't have been more loved or given better care right up until the end.
He was a real fighter & did so well enjoying life as much as he could for as long as he could but he's at peace now, no more suffering.
Hugs to you.

dreamtree1234 · 06-25-2018, 11:30 AM

I am so sorry; I know how hard that is to make that decision, but you did the most selfless thing possible because you love him so dearly. It was your final and most loving gift you could have ever given him. Bailey was truly extremely lucky to have such a loving and devoted ham parent to give him the most incredible life possible. My heart is breaking for the two of you, but now your darling heart-ham is finally at peace and will be restored to full health at the bridge. He will live on in your heart and in your precious memories of him always. He was an amazing ham, and he will be greatly missed by all of us. My heart goes out to you. I am sending you HUGE hugs and am here for you, Herbi.

RIP, dear Bailey. No ham could be any more treasured and loved than you. Please watch over your loved one and send a message when you have arrived safely at the bridge. Run free and play well in the hamster wheel in the sky.

souffle · 06-25-2018, 12:07 PM

I'm so sorry Herbi. You made the right choice when you knew in your heart that he had had enough. He is free now from his struggle and renewed in health.
Play well at the bridge Bailey x

herbi7 · 06-25-2018, 12:55 PM

Thanks everyone for the kind words. He was such a mixture of gentleness and vitality, a lovely easy boy to look after who just loved exploring and running. I'm glad nothing is hurting or bothering him any more. Thanks ever so much for all the advice and kindness you've given us. I always tell the vets about hamster central and how you guys really know how to give the best care for hamsters. I'm really tired now but feel it's all ended as it should.

Coco61 · 06-25-2018, 01:14 PM

I am so very sorry about Bailey, herbi. He lost a good fight but in the end it was all too much for your precious little man. Restored to health, he can find his brother over the rainbow bridge. May they play together now and send you a sign to ease your broken heart.
Sleep tight little Bailey after a long life with your Mum who loves you dearly. You will be much missed.