Severe hair loss, opinions please!

[souffle]

I think you will know when the time has come. We think that when they have trouble moving around and are in pain for which there is no relief, have sores, wont eat and sleep all the time and there is not hope of recovery then that is the time. Any single one of these factors or a combination will tell you. I think you will feel it in your heart rattyrach.

[rattyrach]

The thing is, she is a sleeping a bit more (however I took out some of her toys as I tried to decide whether it was an allergy) so that may have something to do with it.
She still has a good appetite and is drinking.
I'm just not sure if she is in pain or not, or at least discomfort
Ah, my poor baby.
You're right, I will know when the time comes. I just worry I will leave it a day late because I feel she will improve if I give her an extra day etc...Ah I hate this

[kim106]

my old boy has started to lose his hair on 1leg i thought it was due to old age he is 3

[Bunsey]

eating and drinking, in my experience, has no bearing on whether they are ready to be put to sleep. Even if you are really suffering, you still wouldn't want to starve or dehydrate to death.

There's a bit mentioned about signs at the end of my article.

p.s. if you could post pics that would really help with diagnosing cushings. I've seen it in 2 hams of mine and i get a lot of other people sending me pics as well, so i've seen a lot!

[rattyrach]

Although a lot of time I have noticed pets who 'give up' don't have much of an appetite etc.
I would post pictures as I did take some, then i tried to turn my camera on earlier and the blimmin' thing is broken

I'll try and get some on my dads computer.

Also, she walks around with her mouth open, is this normal? I thought it was her teeth condition but when she went to the vets he said her teeth were fine, only my other hamsters dont do it?

Her skin has gone all dry and is white (like when you get dry skin and it's flaky). her face has gone a bit wrinkled and she has completely no hair on her stomach and underside now.

Her feet and 'hands' are also swollen.
She used to walk a bit arched however that seems to have straightened out now for some reason.

Is there anything I can do atm to help her or make her more comfy?

Thanks.x

[Bunsey]

my Bunsey had her mouth open towards the end. i'm not sure why really.

From the description, it sounds as if it's time to think about taking your hamster to be PTS soon. I hope you don't mind my honestly about that.

[rattyrach]

No not at all Bunsey. To be honest, I took a look at her tonight and I thought the same as well. I've got to let my friend know (as she is her hamster but i looked after her for my friend) and she will come with me when the time comes.

I think we've left it enough now, she isn't herself anymore and she looks old and tired. Am going to talk to my parents later.

She has had her mouth open quite a long time but moreso when she was ill shame no-one knows why...