Decisions for Chewbacca

[Sammybingo]

Hi guys. We just got back from the vet. Chewy, as ever, seemed to enjoy his adventure, nibbling the stethoscope . He was such a good boy.

The vet says she thinks it's either a tumour or an enlarged heart. He needs a hamstagram to be sure, which involves a short, but risky none-the-less, general anaesthetic so he can be x-rayed. If it is an enlarged heart then he will need diuretics for the rest of his life (2 months, max, realistically), but he should have some quality of life. He will sooner or later go down hill very suddenly and need to be PTS quite quickly at that point, which means a panicked dash to give him peace. If it is a tumour then I don't think anything can be done and he may well have to be PTS. If I do nothing I doubt he will be here by the end of next week. He will be fine til the morning apparently so I have a little time to mull it over.

I was crying as she explained this to me, luckily my friend who used to be a veterinary nurse was with me for a chat afterwards. It was quite nice to leave the surgery with him as I wasn't optimistic I would, to be honest.

I'm not certain what to do. I am swaying towards the x ray, as my brain really wants to know what is wrong with him. But what I worry about is prolonging his life if it is uncomfortable for him. He has just got back in his cage and had a big coughing fit, but is now dozing quite contentedly, although I can still hear him breathe.

I want to make sure whatever I do is the very best by him, he has been such a wonderful companion, it's the least he deserves. I'm not sure at this moment which is the kindest route.

Money isn't an issue. My friend was shocked I don't mind paying £50 for a hamster x ray, but he is worth his weight in gold to me. Not that that's much gold .

He'd put on 3g in weight this week, which is faintly amusing . Porker! xxx

[Gizmodo ^_^]

I honestly wouldnt know what to do, its such a hard decision. If you think his quality of life just isn't good maybe its best to be PTS

[Hamtastic]

Well, it sounds like you should probably check him out further to give yourself some certainty when making a decision. It could well help when making a plan of actions.

[LocoRocoPanda]

If you think you need confirmation of what's wrong with him then you should do that. There's nothing worse than putting a pet to sleep without knowing why it had to come to that and you'll regret it if you do.

I'm sure Chewy doesn't mind waiting around to see what's going on either, just gives him more time to play. XD

[Sammybingo]

I think you're right Hamtastic. I think I will book him in for x ray tomorrow. They couldn't have done it today as the vet was the only one in this evening so it would have to be tomorrow anyway. He is sat preening himself right now . He's still my little Chewy, despite him being very slow when waking and generally quite tired (or getting giddy and wearing himself out ) x

[KatiePillow]

I don't know what to do, but I wish you and chewy all the best on figuring it out - he's such a beautiful hamster and I know you'll do right by him. Good luck, x

[SarahJ]

I think I would deff go for the xrays! But you know him best and you will know if its the right time to help him cross.

Massive hugs as i know how hard this time is

[Hamtastic]

I hope Chewy pulls through whatever is ailing him for a good while longer.

[Sammybingo]

Thanks tons everyone, cemented my swaying towards x ray. He is booked in for tomorrow .

Just thinking though, as he will be there a few hours by the sounds of it, will I be alright to take his Mini Duna as a sort of travel cage so he can have a heap of space, or will he be best off in his little carrier? Of course, I don't want to take the mini duna and have them tell me off for taking all the space up too . x

[Sammybingo]

Oh dear. Since we've got home, one of Chewy's eyes has gunged up or something, he can't seem to open his left eye properly. And ideas if I can help him with that? x