Advice for Hammy With Tumor

[Varx]

Following my last thread, it turns out Attila has a tumor. The vet said he's too old to be operated on but (for now) he's in no pain.
He is really thin though, and I wanted some tips on bringing his weight up and making him a bit more comfortable. He's not really interested in egg but he has some yogurt with porridge oats. What else are some good things to give him? Would it be terrible to mix whey protein into his yogurts?

Also how do you guys deal with hammy loss? He used to be so hardy and active and the sudden change is quite heartbreaking, watching him get weaker and weaker is really difficult

Thanks for any advice

[Thin Lizzy]

Varx - Sorry to hear about Attila's tumour. It's never easy watching your beloved ham fade away in front of you and there's nothing you can do. But, you can ensure he's comfortable with plenty extra bedding. Baby food is good for weight gain and I recommend Cow N Gate's cauliflower cheese, rice pudding, egg custard and broccoli with cauliflower cheese.
When Archie was ill with a bladder infection, he was on antibiotics for 6 weeks. I gave him a teaspoon of baby food daily & dried mealworms. He also got porridge, scrambled egg and roast chicken breast.
Spoil him rotten with lots of these treats and make him comfy. Also talk loads to him.
Archie is better but, at times I really thought it was the end.
You don't know how long he has with you so make the most of each day.

[cypher]

I'm so sorry to hear Attila has a tumour Varx, I can imagine how difficult it must be for you.
I can't really add much to what Lizzy already said other than to keep an eye on how he gets around the cage & be prepared to move things & make it easier for him if need be.
I think we all have our own ways of dealing with sickness & loss, I know when one of mine was ill it was always in my thoughts that he probably didn't have long but I tried to put it to the back of my mind & really focus on cherishing every moment I had with him, that made those final weeks even more special & the memories helped me cope when he was gone.
It is hearbreaking but I hope he can remain comfortable with you for a while yet.

[kyrilliondaemon]

I agree with the others, just try and enjoy the time you have left and keep an eye on him incase you do need to make that final vet visit one day.

[Varx]

Thank you for the replies, he seems to like the baby food so that's reassuring! I have already had to move his cage around a bit much to his annoyance! He seems to be struggling to walk over uneven surfaces so most of his toys have had to be removed as they were knocking him over a bit ):

These last few days especially he's been sleeping a lot and really losing hair. He's a long haired Syrian so it's very strange to see this much of his poor thin frame. But as always he's still being too much of a diva to sit still for photographs! Some things never change
Trying to stay positive! Really cherishing our time

[Thin Lizzy]

Thinking of both of you! xx

[Artisans_uk]

So sorry to read about Attila's tumour, Varx. I know what it is like, having had Bindle diagnosed with the same at the start of the year. As others have said, I know that time was short but pushed it to one side and just loved the time we spent together each day. I had her cage right beside my bed at night and if I was home during the day then she generally shared the sofa with me.

She never stopped enjoying her food, despite losing weight. She too had scrambled egg, baby food (check that there's no onion or garlic in the ingredients) and amongst other things, I have a bag of Science Selective, which none of mine eat normally but I soaked some in water overnight, just like soaking rusks for babies, and Bindle used to tuck into a portion of the mush each day. Of course, it's full of wonderful hamster nutrients.

Enjoy your time with Attila. These are precious times. Thinking of you.

[Varx]

I'm sorry to hear about Bindle! But glad to gear I seem to be doing the right thing from someone of similar experience. I've not heard of Science Selective before but I'll certainly look into it.
Attila is still eating but seems to have fussy days. Sometimes he ignores all his 'junk food' in favour of plain old hamster food, other days he licks the bowl clean. His spine doesn't feel quite so protruding though which is great.

Thank you to everyone who has replied so far! I feel your answers have really helped to improve attilas final moments

[Thin Lizzy]

You're doing just fine and Attila will know you're doing all these things to help him.
Keep Positive xx

[cypher]

It does sound as though both you & he are doing well, I hope he can continue that way for some time yet.
just spoil him & let him have what he seems to enjoy!