Hamster Euthanasia </3

[jessandflo]

Hi all,

I started a new thread as I'd love to hear everybody's opinions and experiences on hamster euthanasia.

My little Syrian Baby Flo has been suffering from a tumor on her back end since the end of February. The vets have been really great at providing meds to keep her comfortable, but it's at the point where the tumor has grown to a point where it really doesn't look good at all. It's red, invasive, sore, and it's no quality of life for her whatsoever.

Lately she's been slightly hobbling and has lost a little bit of weight. Even though she's still fine in her behaviour, it's a fine line until she goes downhill and I don't want to risk it any longer.

So I'm going to have to call it. I've spoken to our local vets who are really good and I trust them a lot. They're recommending gas to relax her muscles and an injection to put her to sleep. My friend recently got her mouse put to sleep without the gas and just an injection - but after reading into it, the injection needs to go directly into the heart and can be extremely painful. My friend thinks that she did the right thing by not using the gas (as a chamber can be distressing?) but after reading on multiple hamster forums, I'm starting to think otherwise. I read something about gas suffocating them a while back but I'm not sure whether it's just a myth.

What are your experiences with the gas & injection combo? Do they put her into a chamber (which I'm really not happy with) or is it a mask?

Also, did you guys choose to bury or cremate your hamsters? I originally wanted to bury her but now I'm thinking about an individual cremation - where I can get her a teeny urn and keep her with my little brother's ashes.

I'm absolutely devastated as you can imagine, but she's 2 years and 2 months old now, she's done incredibly well and I'm so so proud of her. She is a total angel and has never done anybody any harm. My little brother lives up in the clouds so in my eyes I'm just handing her over to be looked after by him <3 Let me know your thoughts on the PTS process! Thank you so much x

[Jeanbird7]

I personally could not do that...Call it selfish, or whatever you like. Just a question, I have watched tumor removals on hamsters. Was that not an option? Nonetheless, do what works for you. Whatever the choice, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have had mine individually cremated. It's a closure thing for me.

[Ria P]

You know when the time has come to help your hamster along the way.

I had a hamster euthanized this week who was still eating, drinking and mobile but a scan showed up a number of problems and the prognosis was poor. She would have faced a future of suffering and that was the last thing i wanted for her.

Personally, i wouldn't put a hamster who is over 2 years old through surgery or invasive tests.

I would never have a hamster euthanized by injection only. I believe that this is illegal in the UK anyway.
Gas is used like an anesthetic to make them unconscious before the lethal injection is administered.
You can ask to be present.

Burial or cremation is a personal choice only you can make.

[jessandflo]

Jeanbird7: You mean put them to sleep? I totally get it - it's a decision I've had to consider for months but I know in my heart it's 100% the right thing to do. The vet did offer surgery when I first took her, but the vet warned me that she may die during the surgery or after due to complications. It was a risk I wasn't willing to take, so instead I've given her a comfortable few extra months with pain relief, antibiotics, treats etc. I also didn't want poor Flo to be 2 years old, post-surgery and chewing at stitches in an attempt to keep her alive. If she was 1.5 years old I would have definitely gone for the surgery though! But she is a lil' old lady now. Thank you very much for your advice and opinion I really appreciate hearing other people's experiences and definitely makes me feel less alone! X

[jessandflo]

Originally Posted by Ria P

You know when the time has come to help your hamster along the way.

I had a hamster euthanized this week who was still eating, drinking and mobile but a scan showed up a number of problems and the prognosis was poor. She would have faced a future of suffering and that was the last thing i wanted for her.

Personally, i wouldn't put a hamster who is over 2 years old through surgery or invasive tests.

I would never have a hamster euthanized by injection only. I believe that this is illegal in the UK anyway.
Gas is used like an anesthetic to make them unconscious before the lethal injection is administered.
You can ask to be present.

Burial or cremation is a personal choice only you can make.

Ria P: Thank you so much for sharing your experience and I'm really sorry for your loss! Was a gas chamber or a mask used for your hamster? I think I'm feeling unsure about it because I've now read that you can't be with your hamster if they use gas first. Maybe I can request it... I hate not knowing exactly what's going to happen. Maybe I should try and speak to the vet that will be doing it so I can feel more at ease about the situation!

Really appreciate your take on this, thank you x

[LunaTheHamster1]

it is my understanding that vets in the Uk use a gas chamber, then injection. I believe the Injection straight into the heart is inhumane. I don't believe you can be with them either if they are gassed first, but for me personally I wouldn't want to be.
I think it's a fine balance between quality of life and knowing when the time is right to put to sleep. Whatever we end up doing, we are all doing it with the best intentions as we don't want our hamster/other animals to suffer. My heart goes out to you and your hamster.

[LunaTheHamster1]

Just had a quick google (don't do it if you are easily upset/traumatised). The gas chamber is only used to anaesthetise them, not to suffocate, so should not die from suffocation as the vets should be monitoring what they are doing and know what doseage to use.

Personally, I think that would be less traumatic than trying to fit a mask on a little creature.

[jessandflo]

Originally Posted by LunaTheHamster1

it is my understanding that vets in the Uk use a gas chamber, then injection. I believe the Injection straight into the heart is inhumane. I don't believe you can be with them either if they are gassed first, but for me personally I wouldn't want to be.
I think it's a fine balance between quality of life and knowing when the time is right to put to sleep. Whatever we end up doing, we are all doing it with the best intentions as we don't want our hamster/other animals to suffer. My heart goes out to you and your hamster.

Hi lovely, thank you so much for your advice! I spoke to the vets and they explained the process a little better, but unfortunately I won't be able to be with her due to the gas. I feel conflicted because an injection with no gas is inhumane, but I do worry what will be going through her little head when they put the lid on the chamber. I really don't want her to feel panicked. It makes me feel uneasy that I can't be with her but it probably will be for the best?

The vets obviously use the gas anaesthetic because it's the most peaceful way for her to go - am I right in thinking the gas has oxygen in it? The lady on the phone described the gas chamber as like "a little tuppaware that has a lid with a hole in it" as a way to try and comfort me. Instead I'm freaking out thinking that they're going to put her into a tiny little box and I'm worried about Flo feeling claustrophobic. I've never used a hamster ball throughout her life because of this fear.

I just hate the thought of spoiling her and making her comfortable for her entire life if I'm going to hand her over to feel panic and discomfort. I had this image of me being able to comfort and talk to her whilst her breathing slowed down but instead I'm going to be in the unknown (which feels a little traumatic to me).

I really appreciate you taking the time to read this thread and look it up x

[LunaTheHamster1]

If it helps, I've just had to create a nebuliser (using a small plastic storage box) for my hamster.

i think the chambers the vets use (like you said, often a Tupperware box type thing), may be on the smaller side to what i created, but if it was during the day my hamster has just been curling back up and going to sleep. I imagine that they get sleepy before they can become too stressed.

I think ultimately, you are trying to let your hamster go in the most peaceful way possible, and in my opinion the chamber is way more humane than an injection straight into the heart where the hamster would have to be handled and restrained somewhat.

this may be a bit far out there for you, but maybe when they are doing it, you can send out loving thoughts to your hamster and picture her surrounded with all your love.

[cloudy]

I do not know if this is of any help but my guinea pigs and bunny were put to sleep this way. I could not be there due to the gas. They were all poorly and I would say less chance of them feeling stressed being in the box. Although you will not be there, I am pretty sure a lovely and kind vet nurse will comfort Flo and Flo will just drift off to sleep.

I really am sorry you are having to make this decision. I think you are making the kindest decision for Flo.

I like your idea of cremation. You can keep Flo's ashes with you in a special place in your home. It is so beautiful to think of Flo and your brother together.