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Old 01-12-2021, 08:17 PM   #201
Rads
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Default Re: Mistress Poppy

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Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
Ah Poppy! That's the spirit. Maybe she's trying to tell you, no thanks, i don't need a vet.

I was in a similar situation with elderly Robo Gordon lately. Hadn't seen him for a while, food was untouched so decided to dig him out and was convinced that he was on his way out when i found him. He perked up again next day and now runs around rather than staggers about aimlessy like he did for a while. No idea what's going on aside from old age but it's not something a vet could fix and as long as he's not showing signs of pain i'll leave him undisturbed.
So I have been hand feeding Poppy with Cucumber, apple slices, Blueberries cut in half, some small pieces of baked salmon, it seemed the only way to keep her hydrated as she isn't one for the water bottle, I have also put a small bowl of water in her cage too, not that she would probably use it.

After three days of her doing virtually nothing and at times looking dead, tonight before I went to work, Poppy decided to come out of her house for the first time and waddled about a bit went to her food bowl climbed into it and promptly had a munch, filled up her pouches and waddle off to bed with a good amount of food to stash....

Poppy seems to be a fighter with a hard as nails spirit and good for her...
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Old 01-14-2021, 09:30 AM   #202
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Default Re: Mistress Poppy

Been following this Rads and I do hope that Poppy is comfortable in bed with her renewed stash of goodies. This is the best way for an elderly ham at home if manageable.
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Old 01-14-2021, 12:53 PM   #203
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Default Re: Mistress Poppy

Not sure they are available just now but a little watermelon is good for hydration and liked by hamsters.

It sounds like Poppy is picking up a bit again which is really good news.

You show these humans what you're made of, Poppy!
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Old 01-23-2021, 02:42 PM   #204
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Default Re: Mistress Poppy

Hey folks,
Here is a Popps update,
I had her out again today, up till now she had shown a big improvement from a couple of weeks ago today she was squeaking when on me which is not normal, at beat she would chirrup at me. She needed cleaning up again as she was not cleaning her back end again, she wasn't happy about it, but afterwards she spent a good half hour lying on my chest being stroked.
While I was stroking her I noticed that she has a large abdomen possibly slightly distended, what worried me and this is why I think she has a tumour I could feel her little bones under her skin she has lost a lot of flesh under her skin and fur across her shoulders, neck and skull.
Her eyes where nice and bright and at times she was trying her best to be normal but her strength has diminished so much.
Popps is eating both her dry food and fresh and if I give some of her favourites she really seems to enjoy these morsels especially roast chicken, roast duck, a smidgen of cheese etc.
My dilemma still exists though, should I let her be consumed by this tumour or do I let her be PTS? She doesn't seem to be in any pain but her walking is getting more difficult I think, it is just a slow waddle now she has her food and water next to her nest and she doesn't like having her toilet being moved so she has to waddle over to it to use that.
So that is about it for now.
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Old 01-23-2021, 03:52 PM   #205
Ria P
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Default Re: Mistress Poppy

This is a difficult call.
The tumor is likely to put pressure on her internal organs but its impossible to say how much and where without an ultra sound scan which costs about £130 and doesn't really change anything.

I was in a similar situation with Henry and knew something had gone wrong inside, a scan could have given a diagnosis but because of his age it wouldn't have achieved anything.
His vet and i agreed to put him on metacam for the rest of his life to keep him comfortable in case he has pain or discomfort and then let nature take its course.

If i would have thought that he was suffering then i would have had him put to sleep.

Do you think that Poppy is suffering?
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Old 01-23-2021, 04:43 PM   #206
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Default Re: Mistress Poppy

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Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
This is a difficult call.
The tumor is likely to put pressure on her internal organs but its impossible to say how much and where without an ultra sound scan which costs about £130 and doesn't really change anything.

I was in a similar situation with Henry and knew something had gone wrong inside, a scan could have given a diagnosis but because of his age it wouldn't have achieved anything.
His vet and i agreed to put him on metacam for the rest of his life to keep him comfortable in case he has pain or discomfort and then let nature take its course.

If i would have thought that he was suffering then i would have had him put to sleep.

Do you think that Poppy is suffering?
Ria,

I don't think Poppy is suffering per say, she doesn't seem to be in pain when I pick her up, she isn't distressed from the experience either.

I will have to keep an even closer eye on her now.

I would prefer for her to go peacefully in her sleep in her nest but if it has to be with the assistance of a vet then so be it.
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Old 01-25-2021, 06:38 PM   #207
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Default Re: Mistress Poppy

I think either way, the hamster goes when the time is right. Having had to have three pts (the last two with a good vet) I would have no hesitation in doing that if the time is right, to avoid a slow painful death just to die at home in their nest. I used to think having then pts was an awful idea but it really can be the best option to save suffering and help them.

The difficulty is knowing if or when it’s the right time.

Metacam sounds like a good idea but I have also learned over the years it is not enough if they have pain from cancer. There isn’t the equivalent of morphine for hamsters.

If she is having some quality of life then it probably isn’t the right time. Unless you decide she is suffering. It does sound like she’s in her twilight time with the swelling and weight loss. With Newt the swelling got so bad I was worried he would burst, then his ears were down all the time and I knew he needed help. He could hardly walk by then because of the swelling.

People used to say - if they are eating ok then they have quality of life. But our vet explained to me that with cancer they still eat and it doesn’t mean they are enjoying their food - it is a thing they do because the cancer creates cravings- which is how they can eat a lot and still lose weight. Which is what was happening with Nugget. He was still active and eating but looking awful. And was in pain. So that was it.

Does she enjoy anything in her cage any more? Also you can tell by facial expression sometimes if they are in pain - a drawn look as if the ears are pulled back and stretching the face muscles back so the eyes look a bit slitty (vet said that was recent research - the pain “look”). Hunching and ears down all the time are other signs.

It may not be cancer- it could be gradual organ failure. But you will know if she needs help.

With Charlie he took to his nest but it went on like that for days and he didn’t just go. I wished I had taken him earlier to be pts.

Our vet will only pts if they have gas anaesthetic first and that I find very reassuring. Not all vets do this so it’s always best to ask/request it. It means you can’t be there but it’s ok - you say goodbye and the vet can take then in their own little house or favourite hidey place that you take with you. They know you are helping them when (if) it comes to it.

Keep an eye on the bloating.

So sorry you are having this - dear little Poppy.
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Old 01-26-2021, 12:02 PM   #208
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Default Re: Mistress Poppy

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Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
I think either way, the hamster goes when the time is right. Having had to have three pts (the last two with a good vet) I would have no hesitation in doing that if the time is right, to avoid a slow painful death just to die at home in their nest. I used to think having then pts was an awful idea but it really can be the best option to save suffering and help them.

The difficulty is knowing if or when it’s the right time.

Metacam sounds like a good idea but I have also learned over the years it is not enough if they have pain from cancer. There isn’t the equivalent of morphine for hamsters.

If she is having some quality of life then it probably isn’t the right time. Unless you decide she is suffering. It does sound like she’s in her twilight time with the swelling and weight loss. With Newt the swelling got so bad I was worried he would burst, then his ears were down all the time and I knew he needed help. He could hardly walk by then because of the swelling.

People used to say - if they are eating ok then they have quality of life. But our vet explained to me that with cancer they still eat and it doesn’t mean they are enjoying their food - it is a thing they do because the cancer creates cravings- which is how they can eat a lot and still lose weight. Which is what was happening with Nugget. He was still active and eating but looking awful. And was in pain. So that was it.

Does she enjoy anything in her cage any more? Also you can tell by facial expression sometimes if they are in pain - a drawn look as if the ears are pulled back and stretching the face muscles back so the eyes look a bit slitty (vet said that was recent research - the pain “look”). Hunching and ears down all the time are other signs.

It may not be cancer- it could be gradual organ failure. But you will know if she needs help.

With Charlie he took to his nest but it went on like that for days and he didn’t just go. I wished I had taken him earlier to be pts.

Our vet will only pts if they have gas anaesthetic first and that I find very reassuring. Not all vets do this so it’s always best to ask/request it. It means you can’t be there but it’s ok - you say goodbye and the vet can take then in their own little house or favourite hidey place that you take with you. They know you are helping them when (if) it comes to it.

Keep an eye on the bloating.

So sorry you are having this - dear little Poppy.
Serendipity,
Thank you for your insight,
Poppy has taken a downturn of such, she hasn't been eating her fresh foods from her bowl, she takes a blueberry from my hand that's all really.
Popps only comes out of her nest to go to the loo and look at her food bowls etc.
Her ears are often down when she isn't asleep she has bright eyes though her ears never really get up properly.
When I do get her out for her cleanings once she has stopped being cantankerous she seems to perk up, but her walk is just a slow waddle.
being horrid I do wish she would pass in her sleep, but she just keeps hanging on, she doesn't seem to be in pain as soon as she does then I will take things to a head and she will be pts.
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Old 01-27-2021, 09:35 AM   #209
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Dear All.

Poppy our loveable little Furball has today gone on her final journey.

Farwell Little Popps, play well over the bridge may you find endless walls to scale and nooks and crannies to explore and get covered in cobwebs and dust just how you have always liked to do.

Popps is buried next to Ghost in our garden.

RIP Popps 15-5-2019 to 27-1-2021.
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