hamster passed after having clear pee

[etspam]

Hi all-

Our pet teddy bear hamster, who was only about 1 yr old, passed yesterday to our dismay and sadness. He started having clear pee last Thursday or so, but seemed fine otherwise. However, his condition deteriorated quickly, and by Saturday he had became listless and without energy, to the point where he wasn't eating or drinking normally. We tried feeding him directly and giving him water, which he would take somewhat, but by Sunday he was barely eating/drinking and appeared to stop peeing completely. By Sunday night he passed away . I made a small wooden box for him before we buried him in our yard. Kids didn't sleep well at all.

I've read online that clear pee could be an indication of diabetes. However, I wouldn't think it would cause his condition to deteriorate so fast? We had a Syrian hamster before this one, and he had clear pee on occasion, so we didn't think it was serious. Our Syrian lived for over 2 yrs. I don't know if maybe there was some other reason or condition that might cause him to go so quickly. He never had a large amount of weight (at least compared to our Syrian), and was smaller and much more active. I don't know if any of that makes a difference, or if we'll ever really know, but would like to get some ideas at least.

[heidii]

I'm not sure on the direct cause, but hamsters don't show their ill until the very end. He could of had diabetes without you ever knowing.

[cloudy]

I am so sorry for your loss. How heart breaking for you all.

[Ria P]

I'm very sorry for your loss. Sometimes hamsters are born with an illness or defect and sadly, some leave us way before their time. We lost one at only 10 month so i understand how you all feel. The grief and the question if we could have done something to prevent it. You couldn't have because you did all you could but his time had come.

[Lilafernim]

I’m so sorry for your loss, like Ria I had one that passed away at only a year old and she also deteriorated quickly. It’s a horrible feeling because you constantly question why it happened, at the end of the day though even in a year these little creatures can bring so much joy into our lives. It’s important to cherish those and not dwell of the “what ifs?”

[etspam]

Thanks all for your comments. Yes, it was heartbreaking and unexpected. I know that pet store hamsters may not have the best of genetics, and are prone to issues down the line, but we were expecting him to live longer than this. I guess maybe we were spoiled by our previous hamster's longer life, though even he had a couple bad periods where he got sick, but he eventually passed due to his age. We could see him slowing down over time, so it was expected. We definitely were not expecting our hamster to pass so quickly this time around. I don't know it it was diabetes or not, but I guess if we end up getting another hamster, I'll try to monitor/test his pee every now and then. We didn't give him much in the way of sugary treats, maybe carrot occasionally. It was mostly tofu, broccoli, rolled oats, walnuts, and sometimes a pasta as treats. Otherwise, it was Oxbow fortified hamster food.

[cloudy]

Just to let you know, Oxbow are great for rabbits and guinea pigs because they contain hay. They are not so good for hamsters due to the hay. I know they are a popular choice due to their good reputation. I am not suggesting this caused your hamster to be unwell but just thought I would mention it so you know for the future.

You sound like you did all the right things with your hamster. Like others have said, it is likely due to genetics and nothing you have done. I hope you can take comfort from knowing your hamster was loved and had a happy home.

[heidii]

Originally Posted by cloudy

Just to let you know, Oxbow are great for rabbits and guinea pigs because they contain hay. They are not so good for hamsters due to the hay. I know they are a popular choice due to their good reputation. I am not suggesting this caused your hamster to be unwell but just thought I would mention it so you know for the future.

You sound like you did all the right things with your hamster. Like others have said, it is likely due to genetics and nothing you have done. I hope you can take comfort from knowing your hamster was loved and had a happy home.

Hamsters can actually have hay - the issue is hay-based diets. Hay can help hamsters, and can be good enrichment, it just shouldn't be their entire or most of their diet. Their too fibrous and a hamster can't break down that much hay, similar to how guinea pigs and rabbits can.

[cloudy]

Originally Posted by heidii

Hamsters can actually have hay - the issue is hay-based diets. Hay can help hamsters, and can be good enrichment, it just shouldn't be their entire or most of their diet. Their too fibrous and a hamster can't break down that much hay, similar to how guinea pigs and rabbits can.

I knew they could have a bit of hay but thought that the oxbow pellets were not suitable. Does this mean they are suitable? I watch a youtuber called Munchie who runs a rescue and she says oxbow pellets are not suitable for hamsters due to containing hay. I apologise if I have given wrong advice.

[heidii]

Originally Posted by cloudy

I knew they could have a bit of hay but thought that the oxbow pellets were not suitable. Does this mean they are suitable? I watch a youtuber called Munchie who runs a rescue and she says oxbow pellets are not suitable for hamsters due to containing hay. I apologise if I have given wrong advice.

Yes, the Oxbow diet is a bad diet for hamsters, despite being one of the best for animals like guinea pigs. However, that doesn't mean hay is bad for hamsters.

The issue with Oxbow is that they are a hay-based diet. Hamsters shouldn't be on hay-based diet, as they typically forage for seeds and insects. Oxbow doesn't cater to them, and therefore should be avoided.

Hay is good as a fibre boost for your hamster, aiding in digestion, however. You can use oat hay to top off your hamster enclosure. It's great for enrichment & will be there if your hamster wants it.