Concerned about my 21 month old Syrian

[inflikted]

Originally Posted by Ria P

Two of my hamsters have peed blood and both times Metacam helped. It is an anti-inflammatory/painkiller but i don't know if it would help scabs on your hamster's mouth aside from pain relief of course.

I'm very sorry to hear that Stitch is deteriorating. If he were my hamster i would seriously consider his quality of life now because what you don't want is for him to be in pain and suffering.

I'd ask his vet for advice asap.

I've managed to get an emergency appointment about 2 hours from now. Currently preparing myself for the worst, but just need to remember that if I do have to say goodbye today, it's better than making him suffer. The thing that's most upsetting is that he has no idea what's going on.

[Ria P]

The fact that he has no idea what's going on could be seen as a blessing in disguise but i know what you mean.
You seem to be very close to Stitch and you are doing what is best for him because you love him.
See what the vet advises and then make a decision.
My thoughts are with you both.

[inflikted]

Originally Posted by Ria P

The fact that he has no idea what's going on could be seen as a blessing in disguise but i know what you mean.
You seem to be very close to Stitch and you are doing what is best for him because you love him.
See what the vet advises and then make a decision.
My thoughts are with you both.

They advised that with the way the mass in his abdomen and his general health had progressed in the past week (with the passing blood now a factor), the kindest thing to do would be to say goodbye now while he's still somewhat mobile and able to do anything, because waiting any longer would just prolong and increase the suffering he was in. So they gave me a few minutes to say goodbye (they did give me the chance to take him home for a few hours, but I didn't want to put him through any more stress) and then took him in. I've asked for him to be cremated and I'll likely scatter his ashes in my back garden.

[Ria P]

I am so sorry to hear this but you have done the kindest thing for Stitch even though it is very hard for you.
He is at peace now and free from any pain or suffering.

Stitch will always stay in your heart and once your grief is not so raw, you will be able to remember him as the happy and lucky hamster that he was.

Play well at the rainbow bridge Stitch.

[Gwen002]

@inflikted

I'm so sorry to hear about Stitch's illness. It takes strength to choose euthanasia. It is a difficult decision even when necessary.

How thoughtful to spread his ashes in your garden. That sounds like a resting place a hamster would enjoy.

RIP li'l Stitch.

[_kinga]

Originally Posted by inflikted

Stitch is my Syrian hamster, I got him from where I work because when he first arrived he bit everyone in store and I decided I'd take him as no other customers would. Since then he's been brilliant and energetic, although he'd often obliterate any toy I gave him within minutes.

That is until last week, when he started getting more sluggish and would spend most of his time sleeping. I can't really tell if his belly's swollen or if he's just put on weight through inactivity, but he mostly only comes out of his house to eat or drink (which he still does plenty of) unless I get him out. When he is out, it's very sluggish, with that sort of half-awake look, ears back and his bottom lip hanging open, and when I let him run around he generally just looks for somewhere dark to sleep so I let him sleep on my bed while I'm laying on it, and he just settles under the cover next to me where it's warm. When I put him in his sand bath yesterday he ended up leaning back to clean himself and got stuck, and I noticed his testes seem to have retracted into him or something as they're nowhere near as pronounced as they used to be, and his penis and anus are more prominent.

Needless to say, I've booked an appointment at the vet this Saturday (couldn't get any earlier as I couldn't get the time off work at such short notice) and am keeping a close eye on him. I even asked the guy who does small animal husbandry where I work and he said it could be cancer but could just as easily be something like an ear infection, so I thought I'd ask the advice of people on here who'd know a hell of a lot more than me.

im so so sorry to hear that! if he wont get better, you should take him to the vet. hope he feels better soon

[Josie]

So sorry to hear of Stitch's illness, such a difficult decision to make but ultimately the right one. Play well at the bridge Stitch hugs to you xxxxx

"The Kindness One Does For An Animal May Not Change The World. But It Will Change The World For That One Animal"