Surgery on older hamster

laica · 03-22-2016, 04:00 PM

hello, I have a Syrian female that I have had for 21 months since I bought her so she is estimated to be around 23 months old.
I found some stains in her bedding that looked brownish red but very diluted so I did not immediately think it was blood. However two Sundays ago she felt more firm around her middle and possibly swollen. The area near her tail underneath looked like her fur had been wet but was dry to the touch. I made a vet appointment and on the morning when I got her out there was dark red blood around this area but was unclear which hole it had come from.

She had been on metacam for this for 5 days for the swelling as the vet thought it possible to be relating to any number of things but could not say for certain since no xray was taken. But metacam can help reduce swelling.

The swelling had not improved so that itswhy after 5 days I decided to take her back to the vet. Also he belly appears purple over on one side underneath. This time a different vet seen her and said that I can try giving her some antibiotic and she did discuss possible xray. However, we discussed other things it could be and one of which was pyometra. I said I was aware that this could only be cured through a spay. So she suggested that she could discuss this over with the surgeon who was in later today as if she is happy to do we could get her in the same day as the xray since if she isn't still she would need sedation and then if needs be they could operate on same day to save bringing her back.

These are all what ifs since she has not been properly diagnosed but It comes back to the main question when is surgery not suitable? The staining in her bedding still appears very diluted (there is no smell on her, just normal musky smell, or from the stained bedding) and appart from the swelling she is perfectly normal in herself, eating, drink and running around quite happily in her wheel and finding treats. Is it worth waiting out the outcome of the antibiotics? She has been prescribed septrin today aswell as the metacam.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 03-22-2016, 05:13 PM

Sorry to hear about your hamster being sick. The vet should be able to tell you if he feels that your pet would be a good candidate for surgery or not? The problem is that the tests are expensive to get a correct diagnosis. Sedation & x-rays, biopsies, etc.

The vet refused to do a surgery to remove a tumor on uterus on my one year old Russian dwarf hammie, ( the plan was to remove the uterus too originally) he said age, but she also had diabetes which was a likely factor too, A nice couple (money wasn't an issue to have this surgery) who has her now says she is doing good & enjoying her hammie life despite the tumor never being removed. She would be PTS if or when the tumor became a problem but it's been months now and as far as I know she's still doing well even though struggling with health issues, Cushings disease she had too.

Had I known all those tests would result in no surgery, just taking care of a sick hammie, I'd still have her. But she was bleeding from vagina so I did what I had to do at the time to save her life.

cypher · 03-23-2016, 12:57 AM

Surgery is a lot more daunting with a ham of her age & obviously carries more risk than with a younger ham but at the moment there seems to be a lot of guess work going on, I would be inclined to go back to the vet for the x ray & or any other tests that may be needed, once you have a proper diagnosis then you can weight up the risks of surgery compared to the risks of not having the op if that's what she needs.
If they are thinking of doing the surgery immediately after the tests if they find it necessary maybe you could ask them to phone you or you could go back in to discuss what would be the best way forward.

laica · 03-23-2016, 01:33 AM

Hi thank you for your help. The vet I seen yesterday said that she would contact me once she has spoken to the other vet who would be doing the surgery if that is what they find. She is speaking to her as a precaution since she is from a different practice and then they can plan the xray on a day she is also in just in case they need her. I am trying to think in advance just because I have never been in this position before it is difficult to decide what is best to do especially since I may potentially have to decide on the spot after her xray and it is so overwhelming thinking about it.

cypher · 03-23-2016, 02:03 AM

I know it must be very difficult for you, it is a lot to think about but I'm sure you'll make the best decision for her.
Thinking of you & hoping things work out for your little one.

Rsclio197 · 03-23-2016, 04:59 AM

Sorry to hear about your poorly ham. My last girl passed away with suspected pyometra. I opted against surgery and xray because the vet believed she wouldn't recover from sedation. I wish I'd either risked the surgery or had her PTS in hindsight because she lost so much blood and died a painful death dehydrated. It starts off with little bits of blood coming from her behind then declines at an alarming rate. I hate myself for not making a decision and hoping for the best.

If I was you I'd book and xray at the earliest chance and go for surgery if need be, or have your ham euthanised, it's the best you can do. Make sure you say your goodbyes pre xray and surgery incase she doesn't recover.

I wish you and your ham all the luck in the world and hope your outcome is positive regardless. As Cypher said, you'll make the right decision because you love her.

Rsclio197 · 03-23-2016, 05:02 AM

By the way my girl Suzi was 31 months old at her her time of passing. She was In and out of the vets for a week getting fluid pumped back into her to recover the lost blood. She was also on metacam but she never showed any signs of recovery. I won't make the same mistake again

laica · 03-28-2016, 10:45 AM

Thank you for all your help everyone, sadly she died yesterday afternoon. Saturday night she was out the cage having a wonderful time exploring, she even tried to escape when the washing machine made a noise downstairs and scared her! So full of energy. Sunday morning, I gave her her medicine as usual and then when I went to get her out Sunday night she wouldn't respond to me shouting her or even when I ruffled the bedding. At first I thought it was cause she was still sleepy because of the clocks moving forward in the UK but sadly not. I peaked into her house and she wouldn't move. I don't understand how she could have died so quickly after being so lively and seeing her that morning. Unless the swelling was too much, I suppose it could have been something else other than what I thought was pyometra. Love you little Emily.

Rsclio197 · 03-28-2016, 10:49 AM

I'm truly sorry to hear this laica. Be satisfied in the knowledge you done your best with her. It seems she had a good shift and passed while in her bed which is the best way she could've passed.

I hope your OK

RIP little Emily

Vectis Hamstery · 03-28-2016, 11:50 AM

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I've found they often do have a little rally before the end. At least she passed in her own nest surrounded by familiar things.

Run free, little lady x

I'll close this thread now. You're welcome to post a thread for her in the memorial section if you wish to.