Need ALOT of Help - Page 3

Hekomi · 04-30-2014, 07:32 AM

My Syrian poops in her home and shoves it into the corner. I wouldn't be too worried. Try to get more food to her. Is her bum still messy? Her poops looking normal sounds good. The eyes could be stress; do they look crusty or weepy? It could be an eye infection.

The wet tail medicine they sell in pet stores might help, but I find it only really "treats" part of it, and then masks the symptoms. It'd be better to make the trip to the vet and put the money down. I know you said that you couldn't go to a vet, but I feel it'd be worth putting your money towards a vet visit and possible antibiotics than on the drops.

She might be able to groom out her own fur, but you can always help her out with a small comb or brush. Be very gentle and offer her something to munch on. You're right though, no baths! You can also try baby food with her, which will be easier for her to eat. Personally I'd go for peas, carrots and chicken, since it would give her a bit of protein along with the veggies.

NiceCrocs · 04-30-2014, 07:55 AM

You could use a clean toothbrush to help comb out her fur, just be very gentle with it.

Thank god there are people like you in the world!

Hekomi · 04-30-2014, 07:55 AM

Yes, a toothbrush would work. Or a baby brush. With nice soft bristles. Talk to her soothingly and be calm. Poor wee thing. My SO and I wish you two the best. xx

Esmy · 04-30-2014, 09:57 AM

I wonder what a vet would do if you explained the situation? Maybe give a discount or free advice or something at all helpful for the hamster?

BrainGirl · 04-30-2014, 10:50 AM

I would definitely ask around the local rescues and SPCA because they sometimes know of organizations or vets who can help by either donating services or money. I've even received discounts from my own vet when I had to take in an unemployed friend's cat. The worst they can say is no

jolenels · 04-30-2014, 10:51 AM

Her eyes just look tired. She has been sleeping a fair bit but also active a lot when she is up.

One of the biggest reasons we cannot afford a vet is because I just cleaned out my vacation fund (7 months of saving) to take my dog to the vet as he is having some serious issues that may result in euthanization

it is either his bladder, bowels, hips or all of it. So after spending nearly $1000 on my dog, and more bills to come, I just can't do the hamster. I phoned around and the only vet who would see her wants almost $100 for the examination!

I also wonder, do I need to buy her chew toys if she has no teeth? For her back teeth maybe? And will her teeth come back?

I put some of that seed mush in the cage and she wolfed back ALOT in one sitting. But she also seems to be eating her shavings? She shoves them in her mouth, but her cheeks don't get full. And I needed to use a bad shaving choice as there was no store open to buy anything else and we didn't even have newspapers kicking around to shred for bedding. I at first thought she was just transporting to put in her Kleenex box, but she's not. I plan on buying better shavings on Saturday, but can't before then. My dog has seriously tapped me out.

BrainGirl · 04-30-2014, 11:17 AM

Are you sure she's not spitting them out somewhere other than her box? When I got Bonny, he was so excited by his bedding that he would gather up a huge mouthful and then do a couple laps of his cage and put it back where he found it!

What country do you live in? Maybe someone nearer to you can give you some vet suggestions

jolenels · 04-30-2014, 11:27 AM

I'm a Canadian, Alberta to be exact. My city is only 60, 000 people though. There is only a handful of vets. We used to use an exotic pet vet when we had ferrets but she has left the city since our ferrets passed of old age. I could only find one other vet that deals with exotics like hamsters.

BrainGirl · 04-30-2014, 11:43 AM

We have a couple of members from that province and I have heard that it's difficult to find vets that treat animals smaller than a cow... I live in a larger city so I can find such vets but even those are few and far between. Have you checked with the vet association there? They keep a listing of registered vets. You might also call your closest veterinary college, they might give you some advice. I actually did that once for a problem no one here knew the answer too! University of Calgary has a vet school, maybe they can help!

souffle · 04-30-2014, 12:02 PM

Try and not worry. She will just be carrying the shavings ti her nest to make it comfy. Do you have some cheap plain toilet roll you could rip up a bit to give her to make a nest with. She will like that. I don't think you need a vet just yet till you see how she does with some feeding and some TLC. The messy rump may just be mud or from where she was sleeping. Keep soaking the food and offering that and she will soon gain some weight and condition.
The teeth may or may not grow back bit if not she will do just fine on the soaked food. We have a number of members with hamsters who lost teeth and with diet adaptations they do just fine. You do need to check she does not store too much wet food though as it can go mouldy. You can buy shelled seeds like pumpkin and sunflower hearts from health food shops so that would be nice if you can afford it. If you have things yourself like potato or veggies then mash her some up too (no onion). Cereal soaked in a little milk is enjoyed.
You don't need chew toys just now as only the front teeth will grow constantly - wait and see how things go and new things like that need introduces slowly. Give her time to gain her strength first. Keep a watch on the teeth as if she does have bottom ones they can overgrow into the palate if not clipped. Often they are lost at the roots from bar chewing though so she may have none. Cut any matts out the coat and tease out the fur with your fingers. Massage he if she enjoys that. Gently brush with a toothbrush. New coats soon grow in.