Getting over Beni's sudden passing.

Pompey_Matt · 04-11-2017, 04:35 AM

Well I feel a bit awkward making my first proper post such a difficult one but we lost our much loved Beni very suddenly last night. Everything was completely normal and he had a run around in his ball as usual, we put him back in his cage and all was ok but a minute or two later my wife got up to put a light on and as she did I guess she must have startled him and he let out a terrible screech and made a huge jump, after this he was clearly in some sort of respiratory difficulty and we guessed that perhaps he had swallowed something that had got stuck in his throat when he was startled. Then I spotted some blood on his nose which was probably from hitting it on part of the cage when he jumped, the blood had also got onto his paws and although he seemed to calm down quite a bit he was still in some difficulty. An emergency visit to the vet resulted in a few options but it was quite clear that the best thing was for him to be put to sleep. The vet asked to do a post mortem to try and find out more information but we'll have some results of that later today.

He was only about five months old, but we think that he never really got over the short spell he spent initially with my wife's uncle during which time he became incredibly timid and we were never able to tame him at all, it is quite possible that last night he was literally scared to death when he got startled. He had plenty of room and plenty of toys, he was certainly well looked after and the vet said the same thing.

We're both very sad, not least because it was so sudden but also as he was so young and it appears to have been avoidable. Nevertheless we would like to get another hamster but perhaps hopefully one that is easier to tame and handle.

cypher · 04-11-2017, 05:08 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss, it must have been such a shock to have that happen, it is hard to come to terms with losing a young hamster, nothing to feel awkward about though as everyone here understands how hard it is & how these little friends take over our hearts.
His life may have been way too short but it sounds as though it was a good life & a happy one.
Some people find it helps to get another ham soon after losing one, not that we can ever replace them or try to while others find it easier to wait awhile, I'm sure you'll know if the time is right for you.

Thin Lizzy · 04-11-2017, 10:25 PM

So sorry for your loss. This was a freak accident, it could happen to anyone. Unfortunately it happened to you and your family. It's even harder when the hammy is so young. You may have had him a short time but he was dearly loved by all of you.

Hamsterita · 04-12-2017, 12:43 AM

I'm sorry for your lost. It's always hard to loose them, but it's even worst when they're so young. Don't feel guilty, you tried to give him a second chance and he was having a better life with you

Pompey_Matt · 04-12-2017, 03:50 AM

Thank you for your kind words, I've just finished disinfecting and rinsing out all of his cage pieces, toys and stuff so they've now been put in a cupboard until we welcome a new hamster which will probably be in around four weeks as we are off on holiday at the start of May.

The vet kindly got back to us and said that the blood was from his windpipe which had become damaged by a piece of food that had unfortunately entered his lung due to the fright he got. He would have died one way or another but by taking him to the vets at least he didn't get to the stage where he was suffering which puts our mind at rest.

We miss him obviously but I feel worse for letting him down as this could've been prevented.

cypher · 04-12-2017, 06:39 AM

Don't feel that you let him down, it's only natural to have those kind of feelings & think we could have done things differently when we lose a ham but it was just an accident that couldn't be avoided, I'm sure we've all inadvertently startled our hams at some time, try not to blame yourself, cherish the memories & remember the happy times.

Thin Lizzy · 04-12-2017, 12:58 PM

You didn't let him down, this was such a horrible thing to happen, a freak accident, you got him to the vet straight away. You made the right decision.
Big Hugs xx

Drago · 04-12-2017, 02:13 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss

Rest assured knowing that this really is a freak incident, and that you did all you could for him. Many people wouldn't have been kind or merciful enough to let him go, let alone even take him to a vet! You loved him and I'm sure he loved you too. You offered him a loving and wonderful home and he must really appreciate that. May little Beni Rest In Peace

https://rainbowsbridge.com/Grief_Sup...pport_Home.htm

Rads · 04-12-2017, 04:04 PM

So sorry to hear about Beni's passing and freaky accident, Hams quite often jump when startled it is their defence response, Pip does this quite often especially if she is what think of as day dreaming.
You gave the little dude a short life full of love you did nothing wrong at all.
I hope where ever Beni is now he is making his own kind of mayhem.
Rads & Pip.

Pompey_Matt · 04-13-2017, 09:56 AM

Thanks everyone, we paid a visit to Pets Corner to have a look at getting a new cage and couldn't help but be somewhat taken by a young hamster who looked very much like Beni and could easily have taken him home with us but we resisted the temptation and we'll wait until this time next month.