Should I make a wellness visit?

Jenibelle · 01-01-2016, 06:04 PM

Before I fell head over heals for Bernie two days ago, I was planning on purchasing from a breeder (and I found one in MA and one on the MA/RI border if anyone in New England is looking!).... But Bernie wasn't at a breeders, he was at a large chain pet store and I loved him.

But animals from these large chain pet shops aren't known to be the healthiest. There are plenty who live to an old age, but there are also plenty who just don't :/

So I've been thinking of getting the little guy a wellness visit with a hamster savvy vet just to make sure everything is alright. But I also don't want to needlessly stress out the little guy, because stress in and of itself can cause sickness, right? So I'm currently leaning on the side of no vet visit, but I'm wondering if you guys feel that that is the right choice, or is a wellness visit actually a good idea?

kittokitty · 01-01-2016, 07:16 PM

I don't think that a checkup would hurt

Erin.R · 01-01-2016, 07:20 PM

I personally would not visit a vet unless you have a reason to. It is so easy to stress these little ones out and since you just got him that would be very stressful IMO. Just watch for any odd behaviors or illness, only then would I take him to the vet. I have had many many potshot hams and all but a couple have lived nice long lives. Short lives happen but you can't be worried about that until need be

Jenibelle · 01-01-2016, 07:27 PM

He doesn't seem ill. No discharge and he is *very* active, breathing seems fine. I think I'll hold off on the visit. Just worried is all, he's already stolen my heart and he's only been here a day! I know where this store gets there "product" from so it's hard not to worry.

BrainGirl · 01-01-2016, 07:34 PM

I would say no to the wellness visit. Anything that's likely to cut short a hamster's life probably isn't going to show up in a cursory examination at such a young age. Chances are that he's going to have a wonderful long life with you and I think you should enjoy every minute of it, no matter how much, or how little, time you have.

Jenibelle · 01-01-2016, 07:49 PM

Great advice Braingirl!