Scent Gland & Hydration in Diabetic Dwarf Hamster

[RachaelM]

Hello,

We got our dwarf hamster (Campbell's, Winter White, or hybrid) about a year ago from a pet store. For the last several months, I've suspected he has diabetes as drug store test strips have shown that he has a high level of glucose (and, although it's been awhile since I've given him a test, the tests showed he had little to no ketones.) I've since modified his diet. Up until recently, he drank and urinated excessively, and awhile back he'd have a ravenous apetite.

His drinking has since slowed down, and he hasn't been acting as crazily hungry recently. I do hear him on the wheel now, so that is good, but in general, his activity level has slowed down. Also he squeaks more than before. I try to encourage him to eat by giving him dry food by hand. Recently I started giving him more wet/fresh food than normal, but yesterday or so I noticed his poop was soft, so I haven't given him wet food since. I think he likes the wet/fresh stuff more, but he does eat the dry food as well although he's become more picky.

A recent development that I've noticed is what looks like a red protrusion from what I think is his scent gland.

I've done quite a bit of online research about diet, but I would be especially grateful for home health care tips in dealing with his scent gland and other end of life care. I would also be interested in hearing suggestions about hydration. I don't know about adding an electrolyte/pedialyte mix to his water because of the sugar content.

I know it would be best to take him to a specialized vet, but in the past when I contacted them, the prices were daunting. While our Little B is priceless, I want to try home health care remedies as much as possible at this stage. I keep thinking he doesn't have much longer, but he keeps hanging in there. He's a special trooper.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Rachael

[Vectis Hamstery]

Im sorry your little man has had such a tough time. It would be useful to see a picture of this protrusion from his scent gland. Sometimes they can get infected, or even develop growths.

In terms of diabetes care, I only use electrolyte solutions for ketotic diabetics (and I mix a sugar free version, even though by that stage my diabetics have been on full dose medications). I have used glipizide-a prescription medication- with my diabetics which I feel has helped their symptoms when diet isn't enough, for example drinking excessively or being grouchy due to high sugars. Some people use fenugreek though I found it difficult to titrate the amount, and although herbal it still has potential serious side effects. I always recommend seeking vet advice before using medications or electrolytes. As well as diet, I have cleaned weekly with wet corner spot cleaning in between.

For end stage diabetics I have made sure they have a water bowl as well as bottle (I used coop cups) as I found they struggled to work the ball bearing. I gave them more treats in terms of baby food as by this stage strict diet control wasn't going to make a big difference (and my hams were already on top dose oral meds and insulin isn't an option in my mind). Some died suddenly, some of overwhelming infection and one of a neurological problem. Each has been an individual so I've tailored what I did to the ham. There's more diabetes info here including references if you see a vet who wants more background, though feel free to pm me if you need.

[RachaelM]

Thank you very much for your reply and for the information and link to your website. Thanks for noting fenugreek has side effects; I should look into that as I've been giving him fenugreek. I've also been picking food out of Hazel Hamster Food but have been giving him food in addition to that. I may consider the foods you use for your diabetic food mix. As for water, once time recently I brought his waterbottle close to him as he was laying on his side, and I intend to do that more to encourage him to drink more.

Pictures of his scent gland (or maybe it's lower than that?) can be seen at this link:

P.S. Scent Gland (?) Pictures


Thanks again for all the info.,
Rachael