Old Syrian hamster

[Georgiaguildford]

Hi, I’ve just joined this group for a little bit of help. So recently my Syrian hamster has become increasing less active, she doesn’t want to come out of her cage much anymore, she does come to see me at the bars but she mostly wants to sleep. She’s eating but not as much as she use to, her furs a bit rough and messy (I think it may be thinning but I’m not sure), she’s drinking and chewing on toys I’ve left in the cage but her ears always seem to be back now and she’s a bit unstable when she’s walking. I’ve put it all down to old age because she’s about 2 years and 8 months old, can anyone confirm that it is old age only because I’m worried she might be unwell or hurting? It’s heartbreaking seeing them age☹️

[cypher]

Hi & welcome to HC
It is always sad to see our hamsters ageing but your. ham is a very old lady now & she must have had a great life & care to reach such a good age.
It isn’t unusual for their fur to begin to thin & lose condition, you could try offering her a few extra flax seeds each day & see if she enjoys them, they may help &. are good for them generally too.
Make sure everything in the cage is as level as possible, it may help to try & compact the substrate down a bit more than usual to make it easier for her to get arounds.
They do tend to eat less too but you can offer extras like baby foods & porridge or some pellets like science selective soaked in water that she may find easier to eat now.
It’s not always easy to know if they’re in pain as they’re so good at hiding it but I would be concerned if her ears are back most of the time, they can suffer pain from things like arthritis just like we do in old age so it may be worth a vet visit just to have her checked over & see if she may need some metacam to keep her more comfortable now.

[Pebbles82]

Hi there. She is a very very old lady now :-) Over 100 in human years! So things will gradually start to deteriorate, as it does with humans - when organs start to gradually fail. It may be nearing her time from what you describe, but sometimes they have a strong heart and keep going, but can be having pain and suffering. I have been in a similar situation, at a similar age, twice with Syrians and both times I needed to help them on their way as they didn't just pass peacefully one night.

I think the fact her ears are down all the time means she is suffering. You will be able to tell generally but it does sound like she is having pain. A vet visit is also stressful. Metacam can help with pain but it depends what is causing it. I have accepted that at that age, there is no point looking for a cause because it can be a number of things going on with various organs starting to not function properly or possibly a tumour. But metacam isn't enough for severe pain so the only option then is to help them on their way to prevent more suffering.

So it is a case of weighing up quality of life. Hamsters do keep going until they can't. Personally right now I would see if she seems to be enjoying her life and happy or just really struggling. What is she like out of the cage? Sometimes they get very active and start running around. Other times they just want to go back to the cage.

I would be concerned about ears down all the time though as that does suggest she is in pain or suffering. If you do decide to take her to the vet I would do so being prepared for not bringing her home,if the vet says Metacam isn't going to help right now and she is suffering.

Otherwise just keep an eye on her, keep talking to her. Sometimes they will give a sign that they've had enough. Avoid cleaning her out so she stays comfortable - you can just spot clean a pee area now and then.

[Maker]

A good way to see if she is truly still happy is to think of 3 things she has in the past enjoyed And ask yourself if she is still doing them

[Georgiaguildford]

Hi guys,

Thank you so much for all your replies they were lovely and very comforting! Sadly she’s gotten worse so I’ve rang the vets and I’m going to take her tomorrow to have a check up��

[sueham]

My heat breaks for you :( I was in this very similar situation recently with my beautiful old girl, Nipper. Hamster hugs [-o<

[Georgiaguildford]

Hi Guys,

Just an update, we had an appointment for 10:30 yesterday but sadly when I went to get her, Beans has sadly passed. I think she knew it was her time so it’s comforting she chose to pass. But again, thank you for all the advice and comments❤️

[Maker]

RIP Beans, and be consoled that she passed in her own time in her own environment surrounded by love

[Pebbles82]

I am so sorry for your loss. As you say it was her time. She’s no longer in pain and playing free over the rainbow bridge. Play well Beans.

[Josie]

So sorry to hear of Beans passing, she lived to a good age and was loved and cared for. Play well at the bridge Beans :( xxxxx

[Georgiaguildford]

Thank you all xx

[Otaku]

Aww, bless you and Beans. She lived a long life so must have been a happy ham. The fact that you noticed the change in her behaviour shows just how attentive and loving you were so she sounds like a lucky little lady.

Thinking of you.
Rest in peace Beans xo