Medication Advice Please

[RolyRocks]

Hi Guys
My little man Loki was prescribed Metacam in January as he had lost a lot of weight and due to him being a 'senior' a couple of you recommended I continue giving it to him daily. I am so pleased to say he is doing really well and has gained weight and happily takes his meds every morning as a tasty treat! He is now around 2 years and 2 months old which I know for a dwarf is a very good age. Could I please just ask whether you would advise continuing to give him the Metacam daily, is it safe for him to be on it this long? To be honest I don't really want to change anything as he doing so well!
I just love my little guy so much and feel so thankful to still have him in my life.

[Ria P]

I continued with the Metacam and my vet was happy to issue repeat prescriptions.

As far as i'm concerned with an elderly hamster longterm damage doesn't come into it because every day is a bonus and i want them to be as comfortable as possible.

[RolyRocks]

Originally Posted by Ria P

I continued with the Metacam and my vet was happy to issue repeat prescriptions.

As far as i'm concerned with an elderly hamster longterm damage doesn't come into it because every day is a bonus and i want them to be as comfortable as possible.

Thank you Ria, that's exactly how I feel. I think I just needed validation that I was doing the right thing.
I am going away for a week towards the end of May that I booked early last year and I'm so worried about leaving him. Although he appears very happy and healthy, I know he is very old and I'm so scared of losing him.

[Ria P]

I know that feeling so well. Do you have someone to look after him and send you updates?

[RolyRocks]

Originally Posted by Ria P

I know that feeling so well. Do you have someone to look after him and send you updates?

Yes, my Dad will be looking after him with a sheet full of instructions! He took care of Loki for a week last year and he was very well looked after. I will get daily updates, but because of Loki's age I just can't help but worry.

[Pebbles82]

Agree to continue with Metacam and keep him comfortable. If he started to lose weight then you might need a dose adjustment so the dose wasn't too high for his weight - that's the main thing to look out for.

Not sure where you're going away on holiday, but if it's self catering, I've often taken an older hamster with us . If that's not possible, then leaving them in their cage in your home with your Dad feeding/looking after him is a good option too. You could have a phone call or three with your Dad so he could put it on loudspeaker and Loki can still hear your voice as well.

Out of all the things I've tried when going away, the above two have worked best. What didn't work so well for us was taking the hamster to someone else's home. They seem better left in their own environment with someone going in to do the feeding etc. Is that possible? I think familiarity is the key when they are older. Familiar surroundings, familiar voice etc.

[Ria P]

Originally Posted by RolyRocks

Yes, my Dad will be looking after him with a sheet full of instructions! He took care of Loki for a week last year and he was very well looked after. I will get daily updates, but because of Loki's age I just can't help but worry.

In that case, i wouldn't worry and enjoy your holiday.

Your dad will keep you updated and should anything change with Loki, you would be the first one to know.

[RolyRocks]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

Not sure where you're going away on holiday, but if it's self catering, I've often taken an older hamster with us . If that's not possible, then leaving them in their cage in your home with your Dad feeding/looking after him is a good option too. You could have a phone call or three with your Dad so he could put it on loudspeaker and Loki can still hear your voice as well.

Oh I would absolutely love to bring him with me but sadly there is just no way his cage would fit in the car with all our luggage and dog!
Thankfully Loki will be looked after in his own home so hopefully he won't feel any stress. What a good idea putting the phone on loudspeaker! Trouble is Loki's used to me talking in my 'baby voice' to him and probably won't recognise my 'grown up voice' when talking to my dad.. lol!

[Pebbles82]

Well you just say to your Dad, can you put me on speakerphone now please and hold the phone near Loki’s cage and then you just talk to Loki in your baby voice. I’m sure your Dad won’t mind waiting while you do that!

[Ria P]

It's funny how we all talk to our hamsters in baby voices!