Bad news about my smudge monkey

Arraminta · 03-01-2013, 08:40 AM

Hello all,
I just needed a HC hug!!

I've just got back from the vets with my Smudge and what I feared is true. His waist line has been expanding for a while and I took him to the vets a few weeks ago and they thought he was just fat! Well I took him back today and they agreed to ultra sound scan his tummy while I waited and the vet came back with him and said basically he has two large tumours that are more then likely on his adrenal glands .. The vet can't operate because of the structures the tumour is attached to.
I asked about helping him to the bridge but the vet said no not yet. He's bright and alert and apart from being very swollen he is ok in himself.. She gave me some metacam but I don't really need to use it as he isn't hunching or pilo erect he just has trouble climbing etc..

Advice please (I'm happy for all opinions and input);;; my feeling is when he starts to show pain then I help him to the bridge OR is it ok to give him pain killers.. Bearing in mind the tumours are agressive as they've grown so rapidly!
I would just like to know people's thoughts on this before I make my decision.

The nice thing was, the vet didn't have the "it's only a hamster" attitude!! She was willing to operate if she could have..

Arraminta x

hamsftw · 03-01-2013, 08:43 AM

I would (personally) help him to the bridge if he begins showing pain, as you've said the tumours are aggressive and I wouldn't want to stress him if his time is coming. So sorry to hear about your hammy. x

**DrKMcK** · 03-01-2013, 08:51 AM

If painkillers can give him more time AND good quality of life, by all means do that. It sounds like your vet thinks this way too, or she'd have just put Smudge to sleep. You know him best, and if it looks like the meds aren't working,or he seems to have lost interest in his food & toys and surroundings, you'll know that's the time to say goodbye. I hope you and Smudge have a bit more time together. They live such a short time, yet have such a huge impact on our lives. <3 to you both.

Arraminta · 03-01-2013, 08:58 AM

Thanks I hope so too.. I'm hoping he lives long enough to spend some time in the units I'm having custom built..
It is sad when we lose each hammy... They may be small but have big personalities and leave giant paw prints on your heart.. They know how to use their "cuteness"..

Ill keep you all updated

Minty xx

POLAR WHITES · 03-01-2013, 08:59 AM

I am sorry to hear about your little one sending hugs

evel_lin · 03-01-2013, 09:05 AM

Aw what sad news

My inclination would be to use the pain relief initially and then make a judgement about his quality of life. Only you can decide when it's ready to let him go and I'm sure you'll make the right decision

shiny · 03-01-2013, 09:33 AM

Sorry to hear about Smudge

.

It's sounds like your vet is great. Ultrasound can be a really useful tool especially as it's so non-invasive for teeny furries.

I would keep monitoring him as I'm sure you're doing & you know the signs of pain to look out for. If he seems in pain then I would give the Metacam daily at whatever dose your vet said. If it gets to the stage where the Metacam is not controlling the pain then, yes I would think it's time to help him on his way. You will know when.

As long as he is interested & active, eating, drinking, pooing & weeing then his quality of life is probably ok & you will hopefully have lots of opportunity to enjoy each other's company while he is doing so well.

With very best wishes to you both,

shiny xx

LavoChain · 03-01-2013, 09:37 AM

Big hugs for you and smudge.

As others have said as long as the Metacam is controlling pain and he seems otherwise fine in himself I wouldn't consider helping him to the bridge. Only you know him and can evaluate his behaviour but once the time comes for PTS I reckon you will know. I do however hope that he passes of his own accord, it's much nicer when they're at home with the ones who love them. He has obviously been well loved and definitely knows it.

I agree that your vet sounds great, you're very lucky. Good luck with everything shug xx

csockman · 03-01-2013, 09:38 AM

Shiny and DrKMcK sum up my thoughts wonderfully.

I am hoping and praying that your little guy has many more peaceful days with you.

TraceyH · 03-01-2013, 09:56 AM

I'm sorry to hear this. I've had similar experience with one of my twinnies over the last few weeks. He was like your smudge alert and active up until his last couple of days. I found him curled up passed away in his nest this tuesday morning. He must have known I was dreading taking him to be pts. I hope smudge lasts a good long while yet and passes peacefully when it is his time.