Please help! Second opinion needed.

[Georgiechest]

Hello,
I have an amazing Syrian named ‘Hammy’ she hasn’t been herself the past few days, sleeping a lot etc. At first I assumed she’d started to hibernate (sudden change in uk weather) After a couple of days not noticing her coming out of her house I decided to wake her up as I was getting worried, to me she was warm enough and should have gotten used to it by now.
After giving her the once over I was horrified to see scab/sores around her eyes, one eye very swollen, and what looks like the top layer of skin coming off her eyeball.
She hadn’t been eating much as I assumed she was hibernating.
Now I’m so worried and don’t know what to do.

I took her to Vets4Pets (Not by choice as I’ve only ever heard bad things about them but it was the only vets open tonight) expecting them to maybe prescribe antibiotics to clear up an obvious infection...
They took one look at her and instantly wanted £120 to put her down! Horrified I obviously got very emotional. They changed there diagnosis and minds multiple times telling me one minute it was an infection, one minute that she was in a lot of pain and needed putting down.
I expressed I couldn’t afford £120 to have her put down they instantly dropped the price to £79 explaining they’d got the pricing wrong. After discussing with my partner we decided we wanted to try her at home with antibiotics and pain relief they looked really annoyed and again pushed for her to be put down.
I explained I obviously didn’t want her to suffer but I’d like to say I’ve tried the literally went “fine You have the medication and just go”
I was horrified there didn’t seem to be any sympathy or any understanding. I feel they just wanted my money.
I wouldn’t let them put her down after this, I got the medicine (what I believe to be ‘Metacam’ and ‘Baytrill’ I’m now worried they haven’t put in the bottles what they say they have.
I obviously want the best for my Hammy but am left speechless of how we were treated tonight.

Please any advice or knowledge would be hugely appreciated as I want her to get better again.

[souffle]

This is terrible treatment from the vets. I'm not sure what such a high charge is for unless that is a standard out of hours charge. I would make a formal complaint.
Which area are you in and can you get a second opinion. I'm sorry for the suffering your little one is in but in all honesty it does sound as if she is very ill and the eye will be extremely painful. It sounds like either a prolapsed or ruptured eyeball. Unless the eye is removed and infection has not set in she has little chance as the infection would track to the brain quickly. It could have been from a small injury or a scratch whch you may not have even noticed. She does sound to have slipped very low and I would think about her life quality and the pain and make a choice based on that. Look at our vet finder and see if a better vet is near but she needs seen very soon. I hope she is a little better now x

[Vierville]

I'm so sorry to hear about your little one.

Many vets do not know enough about hamsters, even if they are 'exotic' animal vets and I've had some horriffic misdiagnoses before.

Having said that, your little one does sound like she is in considerable pain and discomfort so her quality of life must be your primary concern. A hamster can very happily live with only one eye but then the eye must be removed by a vet and the appropriate medication and care must be given. Even though it is heartbreaking, sometimes euthanasia is the kindest thing. We all want to hold on to our beloved little friends as long as we can but often the right thing to do is make that extremely awful decision to help them on their way.

My advice is to find a reputable, well-recommended 'exotic' animal vet as soon as possible.

[Georgiechest]

I am in the Hinckley area of Leicestershire.
I am horrified how we were treated, she has eaten a little today. Not sure if antibiotics and anti inflammatories are working or I’m just experiencing a placebo affect.
I love her so much and I’m devastated 😭
Thanks for your replies

[sushi_78]

I can't offer any advice, but I'm so sorry you were treated so badly. I wonder if you would have been treated like that if it had been a dog or cat.

I have been quoted over £100 (£50+ for an out of hours consultation + £50+ for the euthanasia) to have a small pet put to sleep in the past, so while I do think that is overpriced, it may be the norm with some vets.

[Pebbles82]

I would definitely see another vet. The metacam will help a bit with pain relief and is anti-inflammatory. The antibiotic tastes nasty and you may have trouble getting her to take it. It's important not to miss a dose once started or the infection can get worse (if there is an infection).

Google exotic vets in your area and make an appointment asap. Depending on how old your hammy is they may recommend surgery. Our exotic vet doesn't charge anything like the amount you have been quoted.

How old is she? You also need a proper diagnosis. I have seen pictures of hamsters with scabs round their eyes and it is some kind of mite. Tumours can also start to come out around the eye area. You need a diagnosis. But I would see another vet asap as if she is elderly then the kindest thing may be to help her on her way. If she is not elderly then she may need surgery. Surgery won't be cheap.

[Georgiechest]

Just to let you know, after almost a week of fighting, getting better, getting worse and lots of love and snuggles; Hammy died this morning at 1:38AM. I was snuggling her and talking to her at the time.
Thank you again for your replies and support.
I’m absolutely heartbroken but she’s a peace now.
Thank you ��❤️��

[Otaku]

So sorry to learn of her passing. You were there for her when she passed, offering her love, comfort and support. She is clearly very loved and animals sense that.
R.I.P. Hammy.
It's hard being the one left behind grieving. My thoughts are with you xo

[Pebbles82]

I am so sorry. She was loved and is now playing free over the rainbow bridge. Xxxxx

[Vierville]

I am so sorry for your loss. You are not alone in grieving for a beloved hamster. Many of us have been there and we share your sadness. Rest In Peace Hammy.