Think my wee old mans time is coming :(

Windle · 07-04-2011, 03:01 AM

Think my Rhino's time may be near, he's getting on now at about 30months (2.5years). No major health problems but there's been a noticeable decrease in his activity the last couple of weeks. He's sleeping a lot longer and rarely comes out for long.

Starting to suffer from sticky eyes from sleeping so long too and he's needing a hand to clean them so he can open them. He's still walking ok, albeit a lot more slowly than he used to. He's also taking his time over eating, even cucumber is taking him a wee while to strip down and pouch.

He doesn't seem in any pain and I think it's just his age catching him up. Is there anything I can do to make sure his old age is comfortable? I've moved his water closer to his nest, starting to wonder if baby food might be a better option for him than dry food.

Hopefully he's got a wee bit left in him, really going to miss the wee chap when he passes. Going to keep a close eye on him moving forward as I don't want him to suffer at all.

souffle · 07-04-2011, 03:21 AM

It is hard to see our oldies getting frailer isn't it.
As long as he seems content and is trundling around doing his hamstery things you can spoil him and enjoy those twilight times.

Windle · 07-05-2011, 03:08 PM

Getting a bit concerned, I can't get one of his eyes to open at all even with me cleaning it and he seems unsteady on his feet. He doesn't seem to be in any pain or distress but he's barely coming out and when he does it's not for long. His heart also seems to be beating quite quickly, I think his time may be near.

I just don't know what the best option is, if I take him to the vet I just know they'll put him to sleep but if his time is near and he's not in pain or distress should I just let nature take it's course?