Pets at Home/Vets for Pets

[Sara H]

Hi everyone, I just thought I would share my story about adopting Ray the Robo from PAH. I will shorten as much as I can.

I adopted Ray 5 weeks ago. I didn't realise he had a large lump on his head until the member of staff got him out of his cage. I was then in there an hour with them advising me that he had been checked by the Vet who had given the OK for him to be adopted.

I still wasn't happy with the lump as surly it shouldn't be there so got my boyfriend to take him in the week after. The vet straight away said that Ray had lymphoma. He advised that giving him antibiotics would be a waste of time and that he needed to come in the week later for a ‘fine needle aspiration’ as the lump would most likely continue to grow and eventually kill him due to starvation or suffocation and that he was already very underweight at 24g and should be 60g. I am sure you can understand I was very upset and my boyfriend wasn't very happy with how the vet had handled the situation.

I found a vet recommendation on here and took him to Holly House Vets in Leeds. The vet there trimmed his very over grown nails, treated him for mites and suggested a course pain killers and antibiotics which he took for 3 weeks.

Its been a tough 4 weeks for both of us but the good news is, the large lump/scab came away last week and it looks like it was an abscess. I have included some pictures of his progress.

Please make sure you take your littles ones to a vet you can trust as this situation could have ended very differently without going to Holly House Vets. I cannot thank them enough and Ray is finally living the life he deserves

[Charlie Dunn]

What a darling ray looks and what a tough start in life he has had. He is very lucky to have found his home with you and for you to have listened to your heart and taken him to a fantastic vet. I hope that ray continues to make good progress and that he has a long and happy life with you x

[Ria P]

Thank you for writing this thread and i also want to say that i admire you for adopting a hamster with health issues. Lucky little Ray who is a little cutie!
My hamster seems to be healthy but as a precaution and thanks to you, i will enquire about an exotics vet in my area now just in case we ever need one.

[Coco61]

So very pleased Holly House worked out so well. Ray had excellent treatment and has a loving and caring home with you.

[alpacassei]

I’m glad you were able to get appropriate treatment for little Ray and tbat he’s doing well! It goes to show the importance of having an experienced vet

I’m lucky that my local P@H + Companion Care Vets were able to provide the correct treatment for my newest adoptees and covered their veterinary cost but it is very hit or miss around the country tbh

[Shannonmcn]

Oh the poor baby! So glad he's on the mend now, he was looking very sorry for himself in those earlier photos. Well done trusting your gut and getting a second opinion. It's so hard to know that your ham needs a vet but not fully trust them.