Rudi's back from the vet

[Rudi]

Firstly - the good news is Rudi picked up considerably overnight and was so lively the vet had a job to do the check up!

Secondly - she confirmed Rudi is actually a boy (something I suspected, but wasn't sure of as I've only seem the 'bits' a couple of times, usually after a sleep and can never get a decent look!)

So HE seems to have a little skin complaint, not the ear mites I thought it might have been. He was prescribed Baytril for 2 weeks in his water and I should see an improvement in that time, if not to go back and see her. She said it would be making him feel under the weather, so he was probably just feeling off-colour last night and a little slow. She asked if I had changed his bedding recently, which I haven't, but when I got home I did think he now has a sand box full time and wondered if this might be causing it - any thoughts?

It was my favourite vet at the practice and I always ask for her if I have a choice, so I trust her opinion a great deal.
My vet was very impressed with his condition otherwise and said he was the best looking hamster she had seen in a quite some time!! She also commented I must be looking after him very well, so I was extremely pleased with that as I am such a novice.

So thanks for all the answers to my 'worried' thread, I really appreciate it - especially to Sam (Kyrilliondaemon) xx
Sorry for the long post!

[kyrilliondaemon]

Awesome
Nice to get it confirmed that its nothing major. I did look out for an update when I got online earlier, so am glad to see this now instead.

Sand baths can cause dry skin if used too often so there is a chance thats part of the problem, so maybe go back to using it as often as you used to rather than leaving it in the cage?
It might not be the problem but it wouldn't hurt to change it to be sure.

Oh one minor warning - Hamsters often don't drink baytril-flavoured water, apparently it tastes foul
Its often advised to syringe it into their mouths and offer a treat afterwards to get rid of the taste.

Well done on getting such good comments about how well you're looking after him

[Lynternette]

I'm glad its nothing worse. You must have been very pleased when she commented on how well you are looking after Rudi.

[Rudi]

Thanks Sam - I'll keep that in mind about the Baytril. I'm not going to take him out tonight as I just want to keep him as settled as possible after his eventful day!
I'll see how he's going with the water tonight and if I don't think he's taking it I'll stop and try to give it straight into his mouth (oh that will be something else! lol)
Same goes for the sand bath - I need to clean out the cage tomorrow anyway so will remove then. It'll be a shame as he loves the sand, but if it is that it's better to take away of course.

Thanks Lynternette, so pleased it's nothing serious and was chuffed to bits with the vets comments too

[Rudi]

Well Rudi seems to be taking the Baytril in water with no problems so I'll leave as is at the moment. He seems better in himself, although he is still scratching a wee bit (only been a couple of days though to be fair)*
Got a new playpen (childrens sand pit) and some stuff from Ratrations on order so he'll be spoiled the next few days and I'm hoping that will perk him up even more

[kyrilliondaemon]

Awesome, I'm glad he's doing well

Am sure he'll love being spoilt too (Don't tell our lot but we're going to Camarthen soon and that means a visit to a big branch of P@H... Whats the betting I come home with ham toys? lol)