Herman, a turn for the worse

[RodentLove]

Herman has been sleeping a lot more lately within the past week. He also has gotten extremely skinny as well. He shows signs of irritation when he is handled and he never use to do that. He still eats a lot and drinks like no tomorrow and chews on his toys. I usually hear or see him run on his wheel but he hasn't even done that in the past week and feels very weak to the touch.

I feel like he's dying. He's such a sweet little boy and my kids love him so much.

I just want to know based on the information given, is there still hope by taking him to the vet or is it too late?

[cypher]

If he's still eating & drinking ok then it's definitely not too late to take him to the vet, he doesn't sound well if he's losing weight even though he's eating ok (are you sure he's eating & not just stashing loads?) it's hard to know what the problem may be but I would get him checked by your vet as soon as you can.

[RodentLove]

He stashes loads but I watch him eat it through the bin under the bedding. Getting off of work now. Ty for the help.

[RodentLove]

Herman UPDATE...

So I called 3 local vets in town and all of their exotic vets are not in the office today. Tried the emergency animal care center and their exotic vet is also out of town. They offered to look anyway but i declined. Reason: the last time a vet looked at an exotic animal of mine, they specialize in snakes and I had a rabbit. Rabbit died.

Took a video of Herman and sent his video over to my friend who use to own hamsters. She said it's a clear sign pf a respiratory infection. In the video that I took when I came home from work you can tell he clearly got way worse. He refuses to take any food (tried giving him an apple) and he wont drink water. He also has been gasping for air and everytime he inhales you can hear a "click".

I have no clue if he will even make it to Wednesday.

[livedinhogwarts]

I'm so sorry to hear about the health problems Herman is having. It sounds very serious since he isn't eating or drinking, as well as the sounds he makes when he breathes. Is there any way you could take him to an emergency vet out of town? Or could you possibly take him to any charity vets such the PDSA or blue cross? If you could tell me your general area, I would be able to help you with a list of vets to go to. Since it could be a respiratory infection, it's important to try find a vet as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, try to hand feed him gently and put food and water lower for more easy access. This will make it easier for your little one, and might coax him to eat a bit. I hope you'll be able to find an exotics vet to take care of Herman and I also hope he gets better completely xx

[cypher]

I can understand your reluctance to see the exotic vet when you've lost a pet before after seeing them but I would imagine they would be capable of diagnosing a respiratory infection if that is what it is & prescribing antibiotics, the sooner he gets them the better so I would take him there rather than leave him until unwell until Wednesday.

[RodentLove]

Herman update: I had planned to take Herman to the emergency care after I got back on Sunday. It's now tuesday. Herman died before I got back home and judging by the stiffness of his body, he probably died that morning right after I left.

I asked the vet what caused it and the vet asked me about the environment in my home. We keep the house at a constant 78 degree F year round sometimes 80. Syrian hamsters generally like it between 69 and 75. Any higher and they will need a well circulated cage. The bin cage in other words, wasn't good enough.

I don't think I will be getting another hamster considering these factors.

[Josie]

So sorry to hear of Herman's passing, play well at the bridge Herman you are in our thoughts xxxx

[livedinhogwarts]

I'm so sorry to hear about Herman passing I hope one day you'll get another hamster to give your love to. Take care.

RIP little Herman xxx
Play well at the bridge