SOS - old hamster

belle25 · 01-07-2010, 07:42 AM

My Syrian hamster is two and a half and has been steadily slowing down for a few weeks. She has been sleeping increasing amounts and is noticeably less active when up and about, having found it harder to clean herself and scratch, although I have been trying to help her - recently only getting up to eat and drink. She is warm and comfortable and has been eating and drinking a normal amount. I saw her get up for food and water 48 hours ago but she has been fast asleep since, breathing steadily and with a regular (although sometimes quickened) heartbeat. I checked for the usual ailments two days ago and there were no signs of anything untoward.

My instinct is that she is winding down and ideally I would like to let her 'decide' to embrace old age. I don't believe she is in pain or discomfort and if this were to change I would go to the vet immediately. But I am cautious of taking her to the vet as it is because it will be stressful; it is freezing cold outside and in the car and I'm reluctant to have her woken up to be poked and prodded when it seems most likely to be the effects of a long life. Does anyone have any advice on the way forward? I would be happiest to leave her in peace and just keep talking to her when I'm around, I just hope I'm doing the right thing by not putting her through what would probably be a fruitless exercise at the vets at the end of a long life.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Flissy · 01-07-2010, 09:33 AM

None of my hamsters have got to that age yet, but to me it sounds like she is just old and tired, it doesn't sound like she is in pain at all so I would just make sure she's well fed (try some warm wheatabix/porridge off a teaspoon, that worked really well when my hamster had a stroke, it made her perk up loads!) and warm enough

Just had a thought though - are you sure she isn't hibernating? I haven't had any experiences with hibernating hamsters either but have heard they can sometimes do that if they get too cold? If its not especially cold in the place you keep her though I would say it probably is just old age slowing her down.

belle25 · 01-07-2010, 10:37 AM

Thank you so much Flissy - I feel quite reassured! I have moved her to the sitting room in case - I wondered about the hibernation since it has been snowing for a week although the flat is quite cosy, but much cosier through here so worth a go I think. At least she will stay comfy.

SarahJ · 01-07-2010, 01:51 PM

I agree, it does not sound as if she is in any pain! so i think your doing the right thing.

My hamster tryed to hibernate about a month ago and was so scarey, i thought he had pass on but after a few minutes of being held in my hand he finally woke up.

Fluffy · 01-07-2010, 10:24 PM

My last hamster died of old age, and while we knew it was coming, it was still a shock. I had never really thought about him getting old, it just happened. His hair lighten to a honey white and he did not move around much. But he was still happy to take treats and always looked up when I was around. As long as she is not in pain, then I would not worry. We all get old. It is just a fact of life and there is no reason she should not live out her days surrounded by family.

Jason

melanieandlizzie · 01-08-2010, 08:00 AM

I would aggree, I think you are doing the right thing, try her with some warm porridge they seem to like that in the cold weather. Although I think its disgusting bleugh!

x

belle25 · 01-08-2010, 01:16 PM

Thank you very much to all of you for your kind advice, I am so grateful. Pumpkin passed away this afternoon in absolute peace - she managed to take a yoghurt drop this morning without moving from being curled up and thanks to the snow I have been home all day with her. I really will miss her so much. But I am so grateful that she had the luxury of sleeping away and to everyone who left their comments and advice here you made the last 24 hours so so much easier for me, feeling reassured that I was doing the right thing. Many thanks to all of you indeed. x

Flissy · 01-08-2010, 02:06 PM

Aww RIP Pumpkin, at least she had a long happy life with you, and a peaceful end

melanieandlizzie · 01-09-2010, 10:09 AM

Rest in Peace - its a good way to go xx

belle25 · 01-13-2010, 05:06 AM

Thank you both - I howled on Friday night and I'm thinking of her a lot but so happy she was and is at peace. Very grateful for your kind words! x