Indyman tumour?

Amethyst_ice · 06-26-2011, 02:35 PM

Hello,

Ive noticed the last week indy has felt.."rounder" around the abdomen..i put this down to old age fattyness but tonight I gave him floor time and he is running slightly sideways and is wobbly. he is well over 2 and a hlaf years now, eating, drinking but sleeping pretty much 23 hours..

Is it worth me taking the lil fluff man to the vets or just let him be...he doesn't seem to be in pain when i touch it and my new hamsterlopedia says it wouldn't cause pain.

I know he can't live forever but he's survived his other lil brothers and was my first hammy....i feel he is nearing his time

xxx

souffle · 06-26-2011, 02:44 PM

This sounds typical of old age AI and can mean there is some degree of heart or kidney failure and this is allowing fluid to gather in the abdomen. He may also have a tumour. Hamsters of this age can feel tubby under but when you feel the backbone and muscle they are actually quite thin.
As long as he seems happy and is eating and drinking I personally would leave him be as there is nothing the vet can do. They can give something if you suspect an infection but it does not seem like this. Our Bru is similar and the same age.

Womblehands · 06-26-2011, 02:46 PM

Poor Indy, I agree.It's a stressful thing the vets. Just lots of soft foods now and kisses..

Amethyst_ice · 06-26-2011, 02:50 PM

Hey guys, i thought so, i had a party last night and was taking people up and he was sleeping right through. Its hard seeing him so wobbly, he was cleaning himself and kept falling over...anything i can do to help him?

xxx

souffle · 06-26-2011, 02:52 PM

Keep everything as normal as possible as they love their routine. Still take him out if he wants to and just be there for him.

Womblehands · 06-26-2011, 02:54 PM

The only thing i can think of is adapting his home a little so he doesn't have to struggle to reach his food and water..

amyXlovesXhamstersX · 06-26-2011, 03:14 PM

Aw, give Indy a hug from me. Make sure he is comfortable and give him fun times if he is up for it. Oh and and make sure he can get food and water, like wonmblehands said. X

Sammybingo · 06-26-2011, 03:21 PM

Awww Indy

It sounds like he is content enough, and if he's in no pain, then just give him lots of love and cuddles. If he starts to struggle with food, the old baby food and porridge and mashed banana can't be beat.. but you know all this stuff.

I think you know how much I love Indy. I really hope he is alright my love. xxx

Amethyst_ice · 06-26-2011, 03:21 PM

yeh im going to add a ladder as he was struggling to climb his toadstools in the cambridge. Id pop him in the zoozone but seth is getting quite large and indy prob would strop with change.Hopefully he'll still keep going comfortably and will be able to make an appearance at great alne to see his friends

x

Sammybingo · 06-26-2011, 03:32 PM

It would be fantastic to see him at Great Alne, but if he's not up to it, I'll understand. He deserves his little retirement rest

If he's really struggling to climb stuff, it might be worth considering making it one level? I have spare ladders too if you want to borrow them (the green HH ones, which are solid so not too hard to walk on). x