My molly

Katelyn · 07-13-2014, 12:08 PM

Hi. I'm new to this whole forum thing but I'm looking for advice and even just comfort I guess. My Molly is my first hamster ever. She's 10 months old and is my baby. She's never bit anybody, so smart, and so loved. Last night she escaped my room and my stupid cats got her. I'm devastated. Molly was counting on me to protect her and I failed. Anyway we rushed her to the 24 hr vet and I've been calling every two hours. (She's been there for 12 now). The vet said Molly's ribs are badly broken, she has nerve damage and a broken back. She still has motor function in her hind legs but she can't walk on them bc of the pain. She has a punctured lung and is struggling to breathe. The vet said in her 27 years she's never seen anyone do surgery on a hamster because they're so small. Then she told me that she just doesn't know what's gonna happen to Molly. Molly isn't eating but they said she hoarded her food away and made a little home in the bedding they gave her. They're now force feeding her and are waiting to see if she goes potty. If she can't go potty, that's really bad. My whole thing is, I want my baby to be okay. But I'm so scared that IF she even comes out of this, she'll be so depressed because she can't walk and will stop eating all together. And I know hamsters have a lot of energy and what do I do if she can't use her legs....her wheel is now useless for her. Some people are saying to just euthanize her but then others say if there's still hope to at least try. I don't know WHEN I'm supposed to make the call to say goodbye to Molly or just wait. I just hate that she's in so much pain and she's so scared. She doesn't know anybody in there and is all alone.

I'm sorry for the rant, I'm just really REALLY attached to her. She's my best friend. Please if anyone has been through something similar or anything, please let me know.

souffle · 07-13-2014, 12:26 PM

With such severe injuries it is going to be very hard for her to recover. I think you are doing the right thing in seeing if she can make any progress but a broken back and loss of rear control is a massive hurdle and you will need to decide in your heart if you want Molly to live a life like that where she is unable to do hamstery things and may need you to clean her and attend to her all the time.
Sometimes the greatest love of all is letting go. You will know in the way she behaves if she wants to keep trying but you must not make the mistake of keeping her alive for you. The choice must be made for her and what you think she wants.
Take the vets advice and see how she does. The cats were only following a natural instinct and this happens all too often sadly with hams being the escape artists they are.
Think of you at this difficult time

**kyrilliondaemon** · 07-13-2014, 01:42 PM

I'm really sorry this has happened

Souffle is right about when to let go, Molly is clearly in a bad way now but I'm sure whatever you decide for her will be the right choice, shes lucky to have a human who cares so much looking after her

prince_medion · 07-13-2014, 02:04 PM

I agree with them, sometimes if a living being is just surviving but not "living" a normal life, its best to let go. It's so sweet that you care for her so much tho, but to be honest I believe there little chance she'll make it. I also can't imagine the vet bill at the end

xStephC · 07-13-2014, 03:52 PM

I'm so sorry to hear that this has happened to you, you obviously care for Molly very very much. Like others have said you need to start thinking about the type of life Molly may have if she comes out of this. She may recover, however perhaps not fully. As her owner it is up to you to determine if you should let her go, after all you know her best and know if she could handle a life that may be very difficult for her. With whatever you choose just know you tried your very best, Molly is a lucky ham. Sending positive thoughts your way.. x

Skeever · 07-13-2014, 04:40 PM

Like the others have said. The prognosis looks bleak even in the best of circumstances....they will no doubt be able to tell you if she is 'rallying' around but.....euthanasia is not a bad thing in such cases? It's a miracle she survived the attack....

Which is not your fault at all. Repeat that till you believe it, cuz it's true?

The time for decision is soon enough. You'll make the right choice I'm guessing, either way. Please keep us posted.

Skeever · 07-13-2014, 04:43 PM

I'll repeat it again, you will know the moment you need to decide, but it will be hard. Re reading your post, those are some serious, serious injuries for any creature. But she is carrying on as best she can? I'm guessing there's a lesson going on here for all concerned, in some odd way. Not what is being a good pet owner or not; it's clear you are a great pet owner. It will be tough, but you will chose the right thing in the right time? Hope that helps .....

sully · 07-13-2014, 05:19 PM

Very sad! (( hugs ))

Katelyn · 07-13-2014, 06:43 PM

UPDATE!

We went to go say our goodbyes to Molly because we were told no progress was being made and we couldn't stand to see her suffer with no quality of life. We get to the vets office and tell them we wanna say goodbye and she tells us Molly is doing better!

It's a slow progression but were more hopeful now than ever. The vet said Molly used her back legs normally for a brief moment (rather than dragging her knuckles) AND she finally pooped! So the chances of paralysis are slimming down. We asked if we could take care of her at home and the vets only concern was her oxygen because of her substantial chest wound. Well my dad just so happens to have quite a few tanks and is in the process of making a tank similar to the vets.

Back to her injuries, the vet said Molly's legs will heal in time. While they may never regain full function again, she will be able to walk normally in time. There is still a chance of spinal injury but we won't know for sure. It's up to Molly. Her ribs are fractured and she does have severe bruising and punctures to her chest cavity but the vet said she does not believe the lung was punctured due to her current symptoms. Molly is still breathing very hard and it hurts her but the vet said as long as we keep nursing her and pure other flowing, it is possible she will survive.

When I went in there I talked to Molly and said "hi stinkers!" Even though she was all dopey she perked up and looked at me. I love her so much. I know this is gonna be a long journey ahead for both of us but I'm so lucky to have her. Thank you all for your continuos support. I'm really happy to be apart of this group with people that love their Hamsters just as much as I love mine.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 07-13-2014, 06:57 PM

I'm glad Molly is improving and I hope she does heal properly in time for you