HELP! My Hamster has Pyometra :-(

[Κανελα]

Hi,

I would be greatful for any advice people can give me. My beautiful female Syrian hamster Luchie was diagnosed with possible Open Pyometra by my vet two days ago. Symptoms - bleeding from vulva but is very well within herself, bright, happy, eating, active and of a good cuddly bidy weight. She is however 2 years old. She was pescribed Beytirl antibiotics for 7 days but i have read that this will not cure condition?

Can anyone please tell me if they have had success with Batyril in the early stages of this condition?

Would you advise operation or any other treatment?

Thank you all for your help x

[Mona's Humans]

I don't have first hand info - but read this thread

Pyometra Information

it should help

[Vectis Hamstery]

I have had hamsters with pyos. Baytril can be useful to control the infection early on, but you're right that it doesn't really cure it. Surgery to spay the hamster is curative but is a big operation. I have had it done on a 17 month hamster, and am currently fostering a girl who was spayed successfully for a pyo.

I have used Galastop in an older girl who wasn't fit for such surgery and found it helpful. My girl developed a pyo in February this year and had high dose Baytril (higher dose twice a day) plus Galastop for 1 week. Her symptoms recurred one month later and she had a further 2 weeks of treatment and had no further symptoms. She died yesterday of an unrelated condition.

If a hamster is well enough for surgery then that would always be my choice for a pyometra, but if not I would use Galastop and Baytril again. It might be worth considering if you and your vet feel your girl would struggle with surgery and recovery at her age. I hope she feels better soon.

[Arraminta]

(((vectis Hamstery))) sorry you lost your baby yesterday.

I'm afraid my only experience with pyo was in my 2yr old Tillifer!! She went down hill very rapidly and because she was so old and poorly I opted to help her to the bridge! Hopefully you have caught it really early and she may be spayable..

Everything crossed
Arraminta x

[Κανελα]

Thank you all for your responses - Does anyone know of a vet who specialises in spaying Hamsters in Birmingham/ West Midlands area?

[Lougarry]

I know you want to do everything you can for her, but in all honesty such major surgery might be too much strain on her little body if she's already two. If you can find a good vet, talk it over with him/ her before making a decision x

[CoolcatNatNat44]

Hi, I have had one of my syrians spayed since she had pyo a few months ago and it was successful but she is only a year old. I now have another syrian with pyo but i'm in the same situation as you really as she is 2 years old too. I would say i would keep her on the medication, i dont think its worth having her womb removed since she is happy in herself and she is quite old too. I would just stick with the medication and if she gets worse then call at the vet Good luck

[Arraminta]

Totally agree, talk it over with your vet! Spaying may well be too much for her.. She is a very old hammy lady!! And the risk of surgery may outweigh not having it. If she is comfortable and happy then I guess (if the vet agrees) keep her on the medication. You will know when she is poorly and she needs help..
Big hammy hugs to you and Luchie and sending positive vibes..
Please keep us updated as to how she gets on.
Arraminta x

[Κανελα]

Luchie has been on Baytril for 5 days now and is still very well in herself and the bleeding and discharge stopped on day 2 of starting the antibiotics. I am due to update her vet tomorrow & will discuss again the pros and cons of surgery .. As she is 2 years old i would ideally want to avoid surgery if at all possible. The doubts I have in not considering spaying is that she is so fit and well in herself, a very good weight and mostly because sadly ive just lost her sister who died at 4 years and 4 months old - her other sister is still fit and well at 3
Years. So i am torn as would not having the operation while she is so fit and well in herself deprieve her of 1 1/2 to 2 years of life / or would she spend most of her time left in pain if she survived the op

[Κανελα]

Ps I appreciate everyones feedback and suggestions - my thoughts go out to those in similar situations and those who have lost their beloved little hammys!