I Think Forrest is Dying

[Rads]

Hi Folks,
It is sad to say but I think that Forrest our Syrian Hamster is not long for this world I got him for my wife's birthday, but I am the one that has looked after him.
Over the last several months or so he has been getting slower, staying in his
nest for at least 20hrs per day, had no interest in wanting to get out in his ball to wander about the house of late.
He has lost some of his fur on his flanks by the scent glands, today he is up and about at 10.30am wandering aimlessly around his cage and tubes not being interested in any of his food even his favourite treats and he hardly seems to drink anything either.
He has no signs of infection etc. I think he is succumbing to old age he is nearly 2 years old.
I am hoping he goes quietly in his sleep.....
I can't believe that at 52 I am feeling so emotional over our little rodent....

[cypher]

Really sorry to hear this Rads.
It does sound very much like old age rather than any kind of illness, it is sad to see them like this & there is little you can do really other than keep them comfortable, extra nesting material for a nice cosy bed, keep food & water within easy reach, if he's not eating normal food you could offer some porridge or baby food which he might still enjoy.
He may not want to interact much but if you talk to him he will still know you're there for him & I'm sure he'll appreciate that.
It's never easy, whatever age we are & how ever small they are their place in our hearts is huge.

[racinghamster]

Hi Rad, as cypher suggested, making their life easy now is the best way forward and if he`s not really eating his dry mix, you can look at alternatives just to see if he`s interested in small amounts of fresh food, baby food or even Supreme Science Selective biscuits which smell like gravy and can be made soft with water or just broken up easily into smaller pieces. Any good pet shop or Pets At Home should sell this food if you can get some.

Has this slowness been gradually or has it came on suddenly? Sleeping more isn`t out of the norm for older hamsters, especially when the weather is cold. I`m in your age group too so I fully understand those feelings. My Russian dwarf male is two now and doing well, so I thank the stars that he is still doing well for his age group. Although you always know that could change overnight and are preparing for that day.

Let us know how Forrest is and we will advise where possible. x

[xbuttons94]

Some great advice above. It does sound like he is slowing down due to old age. The last Syrian I had slept a lot more and stopped using his wheel but was eating and drink very well. He wasn't far of 3 years from what I can remember. I got him in the summer of 06 and I think he passed in spring 09. If you do get worried about him then you could call the vets. Most vets can offer some good advise and make some assessment over the phone.

I wish you and Forrest the very best x

[Rads]

Hi, Racing hamster
Even Forrest's treat of treats are being ignored these are Farley's Rusks or Pastry, he has always had fresh food daily, carrot, cucumber, peas, banana, apple, sultanas, sweetcorn etc to name but a few and that's just the veggie side of things.