Giving hamster antibiotics

[blpriestley]

My Syrian nibbler has been given antibiotics from the vet however it’s such small amounts .05 ml batryil in 2ml of water that I’m finding it hard to give to him. We have a syringe and yesterday it seemed like he was taking it fine but this morning he had what looked like a wet patch under his chin so either he’s getting worse or I missed his mouth.


I’ve only done 2 doses so far but the vet didn’t seem to optimistic as he’s an old boy 2 1/2 and it’s either a uti or wet tail but she didn’t say for sure.

Does anyone have any advice for giving it to him. I scruff him to open his mouth a bit but he grabs the syringe and pushes it away.

[cypher]

It's usually easier if you mix it with a little ham safe baby food or porridge, only about half a teaspoon so it all gets taken.

[souffle]

There is some useful info on giving meds here - https://vectishams.webs.com/givingmedication.htm
It is quite a small dose and I might mix it in a smaller amount of water myself as 2ml is a lot to get down a hamster. I'd also suggest putting it undluted in to half a teaspoon of babyfood and see if he will lap that up.

[blpriestley]

Thank you for your tips I’ll try them tonight at his next dose. Would mashed fruit work instead of baby food?

[cypher]

That should be ok as long as you can mix it in well.

[Sasha04]

Mashed fruit sounds fine. Hope he takes well to it!

[blpriestley]

Thank you for your advice. The fruit trick did work a little bit but scruffily has worked better the last few times. He’s going back to the vet the evening as he’s not worse but I wouldn’t say he’s much better either. I’m going to wait to see what the vet says.
This is the first time I’ve had to make the decision on if it is time to put him to sleep or not. Is there any advice?

At the moment he is not getting out of his bed unless I get him out and I hear only minimal moving inside the bed. When he does walk he’s very slow almost hunched and wobbly. His fur is rumpled and he still has the dirty bum and odd poo the antibiotics hasn’t got rid of that yet.

[souffle]

He doesn't sound well. Only you can decide though when the time has come to give peace. It does sound like you have tried hard with the meds and there may be something else that is wrong inside that is causing him to feel poorly. I always decide that when a hammy is unable to do normal hamstery things like pootling around and enjoying food and cuddles then it may be time to ask them what they want to do. They will usually give you a sign that they have had enough. The sleeping a lot is one and also hunching can indicate pain. I hope his path is gentle wherever it leads. It's better a day too early in giving rest than a day late when he may suffer discomfort I always feel.

[blpriestley]

Thank you for your advice. Nibbler was put to sleep earlier today as they found a lump in his abdomen and we decided it was best for him not to suffer anymore xx

[cypher]

I'm really sorry, you did your best for Nibbles but it's always hard to lose a ham & to have to make that decision for them.
Hope you're ok.