Hamster Stroke?

[kris245]

Hello all!

I own an almost 2 year old Syrian hamster named Pamela (or Pammie, Spamela, Spamster, ect). Over the past few weeks we've been battling a respiratory infection, and she seemed to finally be back to normal up until this morning. When I gave her her dose of Baytril, she was dragging herself around her cage. It seems like only one limb can really support weight, while the others try.

I called her vet, and they discussed euthanasia (I'm not ready yet!). So instead I came home with pain meds for her.

Tonight, when I went to give her meds, her front right paw was turning blue. She can move her shoulder around, but it just kind of flops.

Could this be from her laying on it awkwardly-the stroke paralyzed it, so she can't feel it? Or could she have broken that leg somehow? The thing that is leaning me away from a break is her back legs are not quite working right either.

The second story has been removed for her to recover from her respiratory infection, so she didn't have a fall. I've been soaking her food in water and hand feeding that to her since she can't support herself to do so.

Any other advice? She already has an appointment on Monday that was supposed to be the all-clear for respiratory stuff, but this weekend will be the deciding factor on if we can go on.

Thanks!

[Thin Lizzy]

Oh god Kris, so sorry to hear that!
It doesn't sound good, if she's on one level then I can't see her leg being broken.
I know hamsters can recover from strokes but your vet is the one to tell you.
I know you don't want to think about euthanasia but, I think you should. Continue with the pain meds and see how she is over the next 48 hours and discuss with the vet.
You say you're not ready, but, you need to think about your hammie.

[cypher]

I'm really sorry to hear Pamela is in such a bad way, it is possible that she may recover to some extend but it really doesn't sound good.
I don't think we can ever be truly ready to have our hams pts but we know in our hearts when the time is right for them, if she is still unable to live a normal pain free life I think you may have to accept that sadly.
Just keep her warm & keep food & water within easy reach for her over the weekend & see how she is when you go to the vet on Monday, they'll be able to help you decide what's best but I think in your heart you'll know.

[kris245]

Thank you guys!

I knew it was bad, I was just not ready for my vet to say those words over the phone. Since Pamela is a fighter, I thought I'd give her a chance. After seeing her leg like that last night, I knew it wouldn't he fair to her. So this weekend I'm keeping her on pain meds and saying goodbye.

[DrKMcK]

Hello kris. I just lost my Ted E. Bear earlier this week. It's never easy to say goodbye, but loving them also means letting them go when it's time. I hope your Pamela goes gently.

[Thin Lizzy]

So sorry Kris, but you know in your heart it's the right decision.
Make the most of the time you have left with Pammie and know that you shared a wonderful 2 years and the bond and unconditional love will never be broken.

Sweet Dreams Pammie.xxx

[Shannonmcn]

Giving Pamela the gift of being peacefully pts is a good deed if she's not coping, though I know it's so awful for us humans. I was able to do that for another ham a few months ago so I really know the heartbreak you must be going through but I know in my heart it was the best thing.

Its wonderful that you get to show her how much you love her and I hope she has a peaceful passing to the bridge, my best thoughts go to both of you x

[kris245]

Here's an update:

Pamela (her name when she's trouble) did what I've been watching out for: chewed her paw off. I actually sleep through the night and woke up to her drinking from the water bottle, which she had not done on her own in awhile (I've been giving her h2o via syringe). So I was hopeful when I picked her up to give her meds. And then I felt the scratching. And I saw her paw was gone. I gave her get meds then set her in the cage so I could be grossed out in private. The funny thing is she seemed more active and even came up to the cage door herself. Poor thing. There was no blood as the limb was probably dead, but im probably going to give the e clinic a call after work.

[DrKMcK]

This seems to be more than a stroke. I am concerned that she may have chewed the paw from pain. Poor little hammy. I hope you can have someone help her soon.

[Thin Lizzy]

For her to chew her paw off she must have been suffering severe discomfort.
I'm not surprised who were grossed out.
She really needs to go to the vet as soon as.