'chubbiness'?

Christiane · 07-08-2011, 10:00 AM

Hi guys,

this is about my beloved Syrian boy Billy. He's around 2 1/2 now and he's been gradually getting 'chubbier' around his sides and belly. He doesn't move as much anymore as he did when he was younger, so in the beginning i thought it was just that. But then the 'chubby' bits started to feel a bit hard, like, blown up, so i took him down to the vet (he had to go for a nail clip anyway so we did it all in one go.) The vet gave him a good feel through and said that he was fine, and in a good shape for his age. Which was reassuring, but i am still very concerned about this. His droppings and wee are normal, and he eats and drinks normally. His behaviour also seems quite normal for his age, he comes out for a little run around the room in the evening, a cuddle, etc., and goes in his wheel a bit. Has anyone got experience with something like this? I would be very grateful for any help.

Thanks,

and i hope you're all well.

xxx

fluffymunchkins · 07-08-2011, 12:32 PM

Bloating is a cause for concern hamsters, especially older hamsters are at risk of tumours developing. But as he seems healthy otherwise and the vet hasn't indicating any problems it if is anything it certainly isn't causing problems for now.
Keep a close eye x

Christiane · 07-08-2011, 12:39 PM

Aw, thank you, and, of course, always! I just don't want to drag him down to the vet again like a week later with the same problem when he'd just said he feels fine... thanks again!

x

Christiane · 07-13-2011, 01:13 PM

Here's a real sad update:

Well after still seeming alright in himself he really went down over a couple of days so i took him to another vet that was recommended to me for a second opinion. They were really good there and fully equipped. The sad diagnose was that he had cancer and it was best for him to put him to rest. I kind of had a feeling that was coming already so i spent lots of time with him, we travelled there in style in a cab, and had a good chat outside. And of course then i was with him and stroke him to sleep. Still it was very, very sad, he was really such a cool little mate, one of a kind. Needless to say, i'm done with the other vet, the amount of rubbish they've told me over the years, this one is more expensive, but SO much better. Will make a note in the vets finder.

xxx

**Hamtastic** · 07-13-2011, 01:16 PM

I'm sorry about your little guy. I was going to say try another vet too, and then scrolled down to your last post

I'm afraid of it happening too--if I go to see a vet, and they won't be proficient enough to make a correct diagnosis.

**LocoRocoPanda** · 07-13-2011, 01:26 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about Billy but he lived to a good age.

Also I'm sorry about your bad experiences with the first vet. Thankfully I take my animals either to my mother or my friend's husband but I've heard some terrible stories of people with bad diagnosis. However I'm glad you've found a good vet. It's always worth paying for quality when it comes to our furry friends health. *hugs*

fluffymunchkins · 07-13-2011, 03:01 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about Billy

He lived a long life and he didn't have to suffer.
Sleep tight angel xx

AliKati · 07-13-2011, 06:37 PM

I'm very sorry to hear the news. He lived a good long life, and I'm sure it was one of love and care with you. Rest well, little man. x

Christiane · 07-14-2011, 05:22 AM

Thank you guys! xxx

p.s.: yes LocoRocoPanda, it is worth paying for quality... the new vet is almost 2ice as pricey, 26 for a consultation as opposed to 12 for the old vet, but at least they seem to know what they are doing... best to put some more money away each week!

**Hamtastic** · 07-14-2011, 11:35 AM

That's all cheap =/ The vets around me who take hamsters charge ~35gbp+ just for a scheduled visit, no extras =/ And of course hamsters are exotic animals here, so I'm not sure how good any given vet actually is. The place everyone recommends charges insane money (56gbp) and has some so so reviews for being unreasonable and not very careful (but they have a good exotic specialist... still I'll avoid it).