It may be Nanuk's time :(

Vierville · 05-19-2021, 01:26 PM

It is with a very heavy heart that I'm writing this. This evening I went to give our hams their fresh veggies and I noticed Nanuk really struggling to get out of his house.

He is two years old and looking very frail now. In addition, he has had eye problems and growths on his body that we have been treating since the day we got him.

The growths have been removed twice and returned,the last time was six months ago and the vet said he would not recommend surgery again at his age. The growths have now become very big and I fear that they are impeding his mobility. His eyes looked very swollen and weepy this evening too, something he has been on medication for for ages. Putting his eye drops in stresses him and I just feel so bad for him that he is struggling.

I removed his house to add some more bedding and help raise it to the floor level of the rest of his cage but when I put it back he looked very distressed and is now in his sand box which is not usual for him.

He still has an apetite but is not finding it easy to move around.

I really fear that his time is near and I just want him to not be lft until he starts suffering, so I am going to take him to the vets tomorrow, I believe that the vet will probably recommend putting him to sleep and while I think it is probably kinder, it is not an easy thing to do.

Ria P · 05-19-2021, 02:54 PM

I am very sorry to read this sad news about Nanuk but it does sound like life has become a burden to him.

He's lucky to have a human friend who loves him enough to show him the way to the rainbow bridge. It is a very hard but selfless thing to do.

LunaTheHamster1 · 05-19-2021, 03:09 PM

So sorry to hear this Vierville. It sounds like you are doing the right thing and it is very brave of you, it isn't an easy thing to do but you are putting what is best for Nanuk first. Take care.

Josie · 05-19-2021, 04:02 PM

So sorry to hear that Nanuk is nearing his time Vierville. You are doing what is best for him, such a difficult decision but ultimately the right one

Vierville · 05-19-2021, 04:21 PM

Thank you everybody. Nanuk has made it back into his house after a few hours of being in his sand box but he is struggling with mobility. I've lowered his water bottle and his food is right next to his house. I will see what the vet says tomorrow but in all honesty I think it is his time

Vierville · 05-20-2021, 12:15 AM

Just an update...Nanuk is still in his house, he ate the baby food and piece of baby corn I gave him for his dinner but left the brocolli which is unlike him.

I'm taking him to his vet this afternoon.

Engel · 05-20-2021, 02:08 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this Vierville. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Vierville · 05-20-2021, 08:25 AM

Nanuk was put to sleep this afternoon. The vet said that the growths which he had been monitoring had more than likely turned malignant and while Nanuk did not seem to be in any pain or discomfort, that stage was about to start so the kindest thing was to help the little man on his way.

We will miss his sweet nature and fiesty antics so much, he will forever be remembered with love and all I can hope is that we gave him the home he deserved.

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Ria P · 05-20-2021, 09:31 AM

I'm sorry that Nanuk has left this world but you did the kindest thing for him.

Nanuk was a very lucky hamster and couldn't have wished for a better home.

VOESSY · 05-20-2021, 12:30 PM

Sorry to learn about this.

Goodnight Nanuk, sweetest of dreams x