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Old 09-18-2017, 07:20 AM   #21
SKB_Hamsters
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Default Re: Farewell My Little Mocho

I am so sorry to hear that Mocho has gone to the bridge - it was so sad when I saw this thread and I have tears in my eyes. Mocho was so handsome and he was so lucky to have a wonderful loving home with you. He lived to an great age despite being diagnosed with Cushing - I'm sure Mocho is very gratefully to you for finding such a excellent vet! Those are such lovely photos of Mocho with Charlie and Twinkle and his memorial pot and hebe plant looks lovely too.
Mocho will forever remain in your heart.
Play well at the bridge Mocho.
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Old 09-18-2017, 08:19 AM   #22
dreamtree1234
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Default Re: Farewell My Little Mocho

As Thin Lizzy said, there definitely is no time limit for grieving so just take it one day at a time and know that if you ever need comforting or an outlet to express your feeling, we are always here for you no matter how much time may pass. When you love and care for a loved one as much as you did for Sir Mocho, you are sure to have your up and down emotions which will be overwhelming at times; please know that you are not alone and we truly understand what you are going through and want to be there for you however we can.

Coco, I also want to commend you and tell you how truly touched I am by your steadfast desire to improve the lives of all hamsters striving to overcome Cushing's Disease. I'm sure your unwavering willingness to share your vet's treatment regiment for this disease will drastically increase the odds that many more hamsters ailing from it will happily live their lives to the fullest and, when the heartbreaking time comes for them pass to the Rainbow Bridge, they will do so peacefully at a ripe old age. What a truly deserving legacy for your gentleham to pass on to others. xxx
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Old 09-18-2017, 10:42 AM   #23
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Default Re: Farewell My Little Mocho

I have come home from work today to find such wonderful posts on both threads. By chance I had some time off work just when Mocho needed me the most so that was fortunate. The support, understanding,comfort and good wishes have been a huge help. Last evening was tricky and waking up in the night is never good for the thought process.
Today at work was not a normal day. I was part of a small team representing my work at a local church service and a reception hosted by the mayor. The church service was lovely. The boys choir singing was glorious and so moving that I was a little tearful. Back to my desk after lunch but a good distraction.
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Old 09-18-2017, 11:01 AM   #24
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Default Re: Farewell My Little Mocho

So to what I hope will be part of Mocho's legacy.
All that happened to him over Cushings is on his thread but I thought I could summarise it so that it can be found more easily. I hope those interested in hamster illness as well as owners who have to deal with this, can ask vets about it. It is just a question of spreading knowledge. I make no pretence to any vet's knowledge nor am I promising a cure.

The first sign in Mocho was fur loss on his lower back but not around the scent glands. My vet performed a blood test. This carries risk because a hamster needs a whiff of gas. The blood test is to check for the level of cortisol. This is the stress hormone and the pituitary gland over produces cortisol, thus Cushings. Any mammal can suffer from this.
For a hamster, normal is a reading of 25 in the blood. Mocho was 47. The vet has seen over 100. So he was highly likely to have Cushings. The vet will not do a second blood test after medication to see if the level has reduced as too risky. I assume that with a dog say, this would be done.
The medication was the dog one. One capsule of VETORYL was broken open and the powder emptied into a medicine bottle. This must be diluted with 9mls of water. Then one drop a day. Each bottle lasts a month. So once the expensive blood test has been done, the treatment is very cheap. In Mocho's case, all the typical symptoms were kept at bay. His fur re grew over the bald patch.
This treatment will not help if the cause of the malfunction of the pituitary gland is a tumour growing and pressing on it.
My vet is Matthew, the senior vet at CJ Hall in East Sheen. I know they are always willing to speak to other vets for second opinions. Contact details on their website.

I hope this will help others as it is a distressing condition.

Error Alert!

Re reading my description of Cushings, I realise I have made a basic error. Cortisol is produce by the adrenal gland not the pituitary gland and Cushings is the result of overproduction.
The treatment will not help when there is a tumour pressing on the pituitary gland which results in the wrong messages being sent to the adrenal gland.

Last edited by souffle; 09-22-2017 at 05:04 AM. Reason: add correction
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Old 09-18-2017, 11:24 AM   #25
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Default Re: Farewell My Little Mocho

That is really good resource for other hamster owners Coco. It will also help people to ask their vets for a diagnosis and treatment or to find another vet if they aren't getting much help in that regard. Your day with the church service sounds very fitting and I can imagine the singing triggered emotions.
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Old 09-18-2017, 01:16 PM   #26
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Default Re: Farewell My Little Mocho

I believe this will be greatly appreciated by vets and other hamster owners. It will give them a sense of hope and a way of working towards alleviating the symptoms and hopefully one day creating a cure. I'm sure Sir Mocho is looking down with pride and appreciation for all that you do to help hammykind.

The boys' choir raising their lovely voices in song must have been extremely moving, especially today. How fitting since Sir Mocho Rattles was awe-inspiring the EHO to forever play music with such finesse. Whenever I hear music playing in the distance, I find myself smiling and imagining the grand master conductor, Sir Mocho Rattles himself, graciously instructing a stage full of hopeful ham musicians to play their various instruments to their hearts' content. xxx
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Old 09-18-2017, 02:08 PM   #27
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Default Re: Farewell My Little Mocho

Thanks to you both Serendipity and dreamtree. I do hope it will help because it is so straightforward. However it is not a licenced treatment so most vets will remain unaware of the possible treatment.
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Old 09-18-2017, 02:25 PM   #28
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Default Re: Farewell My Little Mocho

I think it's really important owners and vets are educated about it then, because Cushings is a nasty disease. And Metacam is contraindicated in hamsters with Cushings (worsens it apparently), so it's even more important that Cushings is treated. By putting the information on here, other hamsters may get the treatment they need. Thank you.
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Old 09-18-2017, 09:22 PM   #29
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Default Re: Farewell My Little Mocho

Thank you for that, you and Mocho dealt with Cushings so well, of course it helps when you've got a knowledgeable vet and knows her stuff.
I smiled at the choir you saw today at the church and it made me think of Sir Mocho Rattle and The EHO.
Master Harvey's determined to keep practising and learn new instruments, he's also keen for the EHO to link up via the hamnet and have a session in honour of his best ham-friend. No one will be taking his place as Sir Mocho taught a few of the hams how to come in to the song by counting or tapping their paws to the beat.
Master Harvey sends his condolences and ham-love to you and thanks you for introducing him to your beautiful and wonderful boy xxx
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Old 09-18-2017, 11:56 PM   #30
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Default Re: Farewell My Little Mocho

I can only repeat what the others have said Coco, that will be a really useful resource & the way you & Mocho dealt with the Cushing's is sure to give hope to others in the future.
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