Odd behaviour

Kimberleyxo · 08-03-2011, 03:01 PM

Hi im new too this community, i have a female hamster called fudge, shes been here for over 3 years. Lately she wont move, will only eat & drink when given to her although their right next too her, her breathing is one minute erratic then it calms down too hardly anything, this has been going on for about 2 weeks now also she wont open her eyes, i dont know if i have done wrong but i bathed her eyes with luke warm water using cotton wool. People have told me shes dying, but i dont want too believe that as shes my first hamster and shes my baby. Can anyone offer any help please?

souffle · 08-03-2011, 03:12 PM

She is a very old lady now Kimberley and it does sound like Fudge is just about ready to cross to the bridge. Sometimes hamsters who are so much loved find it hard to leave that bond of love behind and linger on beyond their time and their bodies start to fail them. Her eyes are stuck shut because she is no longer able to clean herself properly and you need to check her bottom is clean as if this gets all wet or messy she will get sore. It is fine to bathe her eyes open if she is still moving about but tell her it is OK to go now if she needs to. If her tummy is swollen or she is messy underneath you need to listen closely with your heart and if she tells you she needs help to cross over then she needs to see a vet.
I know you have been privilaged to share her life and how much loved she is but this is the last great gift you can give if you sense she needs it.
Thinking of you x

Kimberleyxo · 08-03-2011, 03:17 PM

Thankyou so much for being so quick with your answer and thankyou for your kind words. I think i knew deep down what was happening but found it hard too deal with, i think ill see how she is tomorrow. If she is no better ill take her to the vet its the kindest thing i can do, she seems to be suffering and keeping her here wont help me or her, its been hard enough watching it for 2 weeks

. Can you take a hamster to the vet to be euthanised? Can it just be normal vets or a special one for small animals x

souffle · 08-04-2011, 01:17 AM

Any vet will be able to help her take her final steps. They have had the training to do this. You should ask for her to be given a little gas so that she is deeply asleep then they will give a tiny injection and she will at last fly free.
They normally take the little one into a back room after allowing you time to say goodbye. They ask if you would like to take your hammy home to it's final resting place or have it sent for a mass or individual cremation.
If you do not have a garden you may have a favourite place on a loved walk or some people like to use a large plant pot and plant a nice plant in there. When it flowers you can see your loved one join the great circle of life again. It is a personal thing x

Kimberleyxo · 08-04-2011, 10:50 AM

Sadly, she got put too sleep today at 03:10pm. They think it may have been a brain tumour, we are going too bury her in the garden & plant flowers so like you said, everytime they flower we think off her. Thankyou for your help x

starbug · 08-04-2011, 12:58 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about Fudge. Rest in peace, little one.

souffle · 08-04-2011, 02:32 PM

I am so sorry Kimberley but you know in your heart that you gave her the last great gift of love. I'm sure she will watch over you from the bridge where she is free and in perfect health again and one day you will meet again. Remember the good times and hold her close in your heart.
Play well at the bridge Fudge xx