UPDATE: SAMMI - IS IN A BAD WAY, NEED ADVICE

chavvy91 · 05-04-2009, 09:13 AM

Sammi is still on batril for a secondry lung infection, ive noticed a few more problems over the last few weeks.. and im really unsure what to do because this is the first hamster i have owned so i have no personal experiences. First his right eye seems to be closing up, he cant open it as wide as his other eye, over the last few days its sometimes been fully closed up, or just slightly open, what could this be?

The second thing is his weight, he keeps bloating, he went really fat over the last 10 days, and yesterday i thought he seemed to be loosing weight, but when i picked him up today he weighs a ton again! He doesnt look the same shape at all compared to what he was about a fortnight ago.

Next I found problems with hisback end, I'd mentioned this on the forum before when his penis seemed to be swelling up, now it looks quite sore, there is also a little bit of blood around his anus and i think some discharge from the penis, I am not sure what to make of this either? I was thinking it could be bladder stones from what i have read? Also seems to have diahorria.

As i said in my other post, he lives in a plastic tank, and seems to be sleeping up against the walls, asif hes trying to cool himself, which made me think he might be in pain, but i felt about his body, seeing if he showed any signs of pain when i put pressure on his tummy, and round his head, and backend, but he didnt seem to mind!
He seems to be drinking more than usual, and eating normally, ive been giving him mostly harry hamster, some salad now and again, and monkey nuts which is what he has always had,
he seems to be weeing normally, and his poo has lightened in color and seems quite sloppy!

He seems a little more sleepy, takes him a bit longer to come round and start moving, but he was running around the room last night like he did when he was younger!

Now I know most people will say firstly he should go to the vets, but i find it hard to get to a vets, and struggle with the vet fees, i know it dosnt cost alot but i have no job and my mum and dad will only pay so much, and i want to pay for him to be cremated when he dies, anyone any advice or suggestions? Please help

souffle · 05-04-2009, 12:01 PM

It sounds as if his time is drawing near Chavvy. The closed eye thing is really just a symptom of general ill health often and he is not able to clean it properly himself so it gums up. The bloating may be due to fluid gathering in his tummy due to either kidney failure or heart failure. It may be a tumour in his abdomen which is now pushing on his organs and making him unwell. You need to decide now whether it is time to help him take his first steps on the path to the bridge. Try to decide if you think he is finding his troubles too much and if his life is not like it used to be and if he is still happy with it. You need to know in your heart when his time has come and that is the greatest gift you can give him - the knowing and the release from his pain.
I think he would rather you took him to the vets now than paid for his cremation when he has passed on chavvy. It is rather pricey and ,you know what, it is better to find a lovely spot in maybe your garden or in a wood or by a river where you can lay him to rest. We plant a little flower or shrub over the spot and we like to see the great circle of life continue when that plant grows and flowers and you see a little of your beloved pet come to life again as part of that plant.
My thoughts are with you and I hope you can make your decision about what to do
XXXXX

chavvy91 · 05-05-2009, 05:41 AM

Sammi is at the vets today at 4:20pm, i rang them and told them what was happening, and hes now weeing blood, so i think ur right its probably a kidney problem, but i dnt think he will be with us much longer, thanks for your help ill post an update later on

ellisyellis · 05-05-2009, 06:33 AM

hiya, i agree with souffle he needs you to take him to the vets. vets bills are always a problem. i have a 17yr old horse that my dad bought me when i was a kid. well i am now 22 yrs old and still have alfie. i love him too much to sell him and its too late for that anyway as he is not saleable due to ill health. you realy need to think before pets are bought as when they get ill it stacks up and gets you un prepaired. i now have to keep money aside for the vets incase i need them. i know its hard as i dont work either but if an animal is ill you have to take them to a vet. good luck x

souffle · 05-05-2009, 03:33 PM

Sammi has been given rest.
RIP Sammi