Prevention of possible future complications

[zak]

I have read it is possible to remove the womb of female hamsters to prevent any diseases/infections such as pyometra etc. I would rather have it done now than later just in case. Things like this worry me a great deal since my furry babies are my world 😞 What are everybody's thoughts and opinions on this subject? Is what I read true or not? If so, what vets would you recommend in Newcastle upon Tyne? Money is not a major issue nor will it ever be when it comes to my babies.

[Nancy's Hamsters]

The spay surgery is very high risk and many hamsters die while under sedation. Personally I would not spay just to prevent something that may never occur and putting your hamster under the stresses of surgery, and even possibly dying from it.

[BrainGirl]

Pyometra is a scary thing, but the operation is a major one and puts the hamster at risk. I would not take that risk unless it was the only hope of saving her life. Pyometra isn't really all that common anyway. I've had a number of female animals and have never seen or even heard of a case. Your best course of action would be to put money aside so that in the event your hamster should need emergency surgery you can provide it.

[Bertiebobbins]

Hamsters aren't like cats or dogs who will get spayed fairly routinely, they're much more delicate and it isn't usual to perform preventative procedures on them.

As has been said, it would be more sensible to put some money aside to cover future vet bills, especially as you have more than one hammy. Also, research vets in your area to see who treats hamsters and who has a vet with expertise in hamsters, and how much they charge for consultations. I rang all the vets in my vicinity so that I don't need to panic and decide where to go if either of mine ever need attention.

[racinghamster]

Don`t bother. Removing the womb of a hamster is highly risky even when they do have disease in there. I would doubt a vet would even agree to such surgery based on prevention, as they do in female cats/dogs, it`s just not done.

Perhaps concentrate on whether pyo is genetic, or whether taking certain actions with diet could help prevent it occurring? Feeding raw vegetables is one way of adding good vitamins/minerals to a hamsters well being and I`m not sure how many hamster owners practice this daily, or just on the odd occasion, but it does make a difference to their overall health. x

[Nancy's Hamsters]

From my experience, Pyo can be genetic as I had a line here that each and every female hamster kept developed Pyo after one litter born. I pet out the females I had who had not been bred and even they all eventually lost their lives to Pyo. Even the males from that line would sire female pups who would get Pyo. So yes Pyo can be genetically passed on.

[zak]

Thank you for your advice, suggestions and opinions! I will continue to add to the vet fund on a fortnightly basis and slowly add fresh food to their diet.