Stars feet going black?

LunaTheHamster1 · 05-27-2020, 06:18 AM

I think Star may be losing circulation in her back legs. I first noticed they were going grey so I kept my eye on them as I didn't know if I was imagining it. Now I've seen these black bits underneath. I have rang the vet and they will call me back today if they can, but just in case I have got an appointment on Friday morning.
Has anyone else ever experienced this? what do you think it is, lack of circulation? I Keep hoping it's dirt but it doesn't seem to come off.

She is very old, approx two-and-a-half to nearly 3 years old. She was at the vets 3 weeks ago as I didn't know then if she needed putting to sleep but they said she might live another month or two as she is still eating and drinking, she likes to come out of her cage for about 5 mins on a night but that's it. she really is very old and tired. She is just very unsteady on her back feet and falls over a lot, but Ihave everything safe in her cage so she doesn;t hurt herself.

When I tried to take these photos she went nuts and started gnawing at her front feet to escape, I had to give her a toilet roll tube to chew on instead. So I am really worried she is in pain. She is already on metacam and baytrill.

Stars feet1 forum.jpg

Stars feet 3 forum.jpg

stars feet forum.jpg

Ria P · 05-27-2020, 12:56 PM

Hmm, it really does sound like she's on her last legs and with her falling over a lot and possibly experiencing pain and discomfort, you really have to consider her quality of life knowing that she is not likely to get better.

You know what i'm trying to say without spelling it out but that's just my opinion. You know your hamster better than her vet does.

LunaTheHamster1 · 05-27-2020, 01:44 PM

I know Ria, which is why I sent her to the vets when Twinkle was seen the other week. Her falling over has been something that gradually got worse over months, since end of last year. She has constantly been under the care of the vets since last year, they know how much I care about her. She is just such a fighter, she never gives in but she is an old lady now. her little brain is still all there and she sits like lady muck in her house being waited on with mushed pellets/babyfood/porridge and fresh food, her weight is constant. when she comes out for her 5 mins she is still off like lightning, but her legs can't keep up with her. I just feel so sad about it all. I have been trying to keep her as comfortable as possible and just praying she slips away in her sleep. but like I said she is such a fighter.
I just keep thinking is it dirt on her feet, and I am going to look stupid if it is, but if it is dirt I have no idea where it has come from. Which is why I posted on here as I couldn't find a lot about hamsters feet and turning black unless there has been an injury/accident like a broken foot etc.

Ria P · 05-27-2020, 02:28 PM

Where would the dirt come from? The only possibility is that she may have stepped into her poos which would stick alright. Can't think of anything else really. Have you tried wiping it off with a damp cotton bud? As you say, lack of circulation is the usual cause of feet turning black.
Wished i could come up with something helpful.

LunaTheHamster1 · 05-27-2020, 03:03 PM

I had just been trying that - it was hard to say if it was coming off or not-omg ria - i just though what if she is walking thru her mashed up pellets - they are dark!!!!

LunaTheHamster1 · 05-27-2020, 03:16 PM

OMG it is the mushed up pellets, took some doing but I got it all off just about. What a relief, I guess I am cancelling that vets apointment tomorrow. What an idiot i am. I kept looking at the photos and thinking under the nails it looked like something had dried under there, but I couldn't think what. i didn't think it could be her poo as her poos arn't soft.

Ria P · 05-27-2020, 05:12 PM

Oh yes!!! Never thought of the mashed up pellets. Phew. That is a major relief! If you're an idiot then i'm one as well, lol. At least her toes won't fall off now.

Chicleteer · 05-28-2020, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1

OMG it is the mushed up pellets, took some doing but I got it all off just about. What a relief, I guess I am cancelling that vets apointment tomorrow. What an idiot i am. I kept looking at the photos and thinking under the nails it looked like something had dried under there, but I couldn't think what. i didn't think it could be her poo as her poos arn't soft.

I’m so glad she’s okay. You’re hardly an idiot; you sound very responsible! We’re all doing our best with these dear little creatures.... 🙂

Kyrkogrimr · 05-29-2020, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1

OMG it is the mushed up pellets, took some doing but I got it all off just about. What a relief, I guess I am cancelling that vets apointment tomorrow. What an idiot i am. I kept looking at the photos and thinking under the nails it looked like something had dried under there, but I couldn't think what. i didn't think it could be her poo as her poos arn't soft.

I wouldn't say you're an idiot: I prefer to exercise an abundance of caution than find myself wondering if there's something I should have done or done differently.

LunaTheHamster1 · 05-29-2020, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ria P

Oh yes!!! Never thought of the mashed up pellets. Phew. That is a major relief! If you're an idiot then i'm one as well, lol. At least her toes won't fall off now.

Sorry Ria thought I had replied to you. Thank you for helping me the other night. I don't think it has helped that my sister in laws mum has been in hospital trying to save her foot and leg and my best friends dad in hospital with covid - it's been a week of worry. I don't think I have been thinking straight at all. Happy to say sis in law mum had an op and survived and my friends dad is slowly improving and Star just plods on - we are all relieved.

And yes stars toes won't fall of now.