Hamster Sudden Death - Need Closure

[avaasia]

Hello all,

I had a 16 month old campbells dwarf hamster who was my absolute best friend. So social and sweet. She was entirely fine - eating, drinking, running around, organizing her cage. No changes in what she eats or what was in her tank. I live in a quiet apartment and as far as I know nothing happened that would've startled her. She was fine in the morning, running around. She wa ssleeping in the afternoon. And 20 minutes later when I come back into the room shes on her back in the middle of the cage near her food bowl, as though she had woken up to eat something, legs sticking up, eyes open, and mouth open. I am struggling to understand what could've cause this, or how she ended up on her back like that. I am so devastated and worried I did something wrong, or that she suffered. Any ideas? Has this happened to anyone else? I've been just heartbroken and never expected her to pass in that way or for me to find her like that just minutes after she was fine

[souffle]

I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds as if she had a sudden stroke. This can be very sudden and they can pass instantly. It is so quick that she would not have felt anything at all. I hope your memories are of comfort x

[VOESSY]

So sorry to hear about your loss.
I'll leave more experienced owners to speculate but I hope you find some clarity and peace x

[Celestial]

I am sorry that your furry friend passed away so suddenly
May you, far in the future, look back fondly on your many happy memories with her.

[Pebbles82]

I am so sorry this has happened and completely understand the need for some closure. Shock is part of it when it is so sudden like this. Part of grief is questioning if we did anything wrong or should have known something but the simple answer is that your hammy died suddenly. As Souffle says most likely a stroke. It could also have been a heart attack. Some hamsters are born with a genetic predisposition - eg weak heart - which we don’t know about.

When a loved hamster dies it is always hard however it happens. Sometimes it can be a slow decline leading to having to help them in their way if they’re suffering. Sudden death is kinder in a way but also traumatic for you. 16 months is a good age for a dwarf hamster. Most dwarf hamsters are hybrids of winter white and Campbell’s - even if they look like one or the other. Hybrids can have health issues sometimes as breeding practices are unknown. Average lifespan is usually about 18 months although some do live a bit longer.

I am so sorry you have lost your little hamster friend. Sometimes it gets easier when you’ve had a little ceremony or memorial to say goodbye or planted something as a memorial eg.

See how you go - some people find it helps to get another hamster quite soon afterwards. It won’t replace your previous hamster - new one will be a different personality and their own hamster- but it can help to still have the routine of caring for one and getting to know a new friend who needs your care. Some people need to wait a bit. I have done both on different occasions and find it better to get another one quite soon. It can also help if the new one looks different - a different colour or species.

We all understand what you are going through if it helps. Xxx

It can also be a time to think about an ideal set up for the next hamster. I can’t always use the same cage straight away. Plus dwarf hammies do better with low height cages usually so if you were thinking about a change then post on here and we can make some suggestions for cages that work well for dwarf hammies.

But for now - farewell to your little friend and RIP. She is playing free over the rainbow bridge, free from pain. With many other hamster friends. It leaves a big gap in your life but in time we can enjoy happy memories of them.

[avaasia]

Originally Posted by souffle

I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds as if she had a sudden stroke. This can be very sudden and they can pass instantly. It is so quick that she would not have felt anything at all. I hope your memories are of comfort x

Thank you so much. I am relieved it was likely not painful. I feel so guilty I wasn't there with her, and was so scared she suffered alone. My memories are both comforting and yet make me miss her all the more. Whether it be people, cats, dogs, birds, hamsters, or anything in between - we all experience special connections with certain souls that enter our lives. That is what I shared with her. I felt so bonded to her from the day I got her, and during one of the hardest years of my life she provided so much comfort and emotional support.

[avaasia]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

I am so sorry this has happened and completely understand the need for some closure. Shock is part of it when it is so sudden like this. Part of grief is questioning if we did anything wrong or should have known something but the simple answer is that your hammy died suddenly. As Souffle says most likely a stroke. It could also have been a heart attack. Some hamsters are born with a genetic predisposition - eg weak heart - which we don’t know about.

When a loved hamster dies it is always hard however it happens. Sometimes it can be a slow decline leading to having to help them in their way if they’re suffering. Sudden death is kinder in a way but also traumatic for you. 16 months is a good age for a dwarf hamster. Most dwarf hamsters are hybrids of winter white and Campbell’s - even if they look like one or the other. Hybrids can have health issues sometimes as breeding practices are unknown. Average lifespan is usually about 18 months although some do live a bit longer.

I am so sorry you have lost your little hamster friend. Sometimes it gets easier when you’ve had a little ceremony or memorial to say goodbye or planted something as a memorial eg.

See how you go - some people find it helps to get another hamster quite soon afterwards. It won’t replace your previous hamster - new one will be a different personality and their own hamster- but it can help to still have the routine of caring for one and getting to know a new friend who needs your care. Some people need to wait a bit. I have done both on different occasions and find it better to get another one quite soon. It can also help if the new one looks different - a different colour or species.

We all understand what you are going through if it helps. Xxx

It can also be a time to think about an ideal set up for the next hamster. I can’t always use the same cage straight away. Plus dwarf hammies do better with low height cages usually so if you were thinking about a change then post on here and we can make some suggestions for cages that work well for dwarf hammies.

But for now - farewell to your little friend and RIP. She is playing free over the rainbow bridge, free from pain. With many other hamster friends. It leaves a big gap in your life but in time we can enjoy happy memories of them.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this reply. It means a lot. I am glad she did not suffer, and I'd much rather take on the extra shock than know she was in pain for a long period of time. I am happy she lived her life loved from beginning to end, yet I still can't shake some of the feelings of guilt. I was home when it happened, just not in the room. I wish at least I had been there to remind her one last time she was not alone, and I was always there for her.

The hardest part has been seeing her tank. Everything is just as she left it - and I know I should clean it but I just can't bring myself to. It's the last tangible thing I have of her - her bedding is where she placed it, her nook still has the shape of her from where she would sleep, her food is still where the buried it. Even typing this I'm starting to cry. I miss her so much.

I am comforted to know I am not alone in feeling this way. I have a dog, and cats back at my family's house. And this feels just like losing them would. Yet, I feel obligated to at least from the outside seem like I am okay, because I don't think everyone would understand how deeply hamsters can snuggle into our hearts.

On getting a new hamster: part of me would love to - I adore them so much, their quirky habits, adorable faces, soft fur, and independent nature. But on the other hand, I'm not sure if I could handle going through this over and over - bonding and losing them so fast. Maybe it gets easier with time, and maybe my bond with Lily was also uniquely deep, but the fear of finding another sweet hamster passed away like that right now just seems too hard. Any advice on this?

[Pebbles82]

Yes the cage there is very hard. If it’s too hard to deal with right now then put a blanket over it - it helps. Until you feel ready to sort it. Otherwise the presence and familiarity of it can upset you each time. These days I tend to empty and clean the cage straight away and as quickly as possible and detach if I can. Once it is done and the empty cage out of sight it is easier. But one thing that many people find hard is the change in routine without the hamster to feed and care for each day. You get to 6pm or whatever and out of habit are going to feed and then you remember again. That is partly why I don’t like being without a hamster now. We have two and if one goes it can be a comfort that the other one still needs you.

I found, after the first one (who somehow I thought would live forever) that I was more psychologically prepared for the fact he would grow old and pass. I try to think about the positives that we get to see them grow from being babies to children to teenagers, middle age and old age in a couple of years and that somehow that is a privilege. With different special times along the way. 1 year old is a special time when they are mature and confident but still fit and healthy. They are very funny as babies also. In old age they are so patient and less stressed generally.

People are ready at different times. After our first one passed, I really wanted another one and saw one in a pet shop but just couldn’t - it was too soon. But I can recommend having two Maybe not straight away but getting a second one a few months after the first one. They do grow old and pass but it helps to still have a hamster I think.

All I can say is our family were very down and flat until we had another baby hamster and then we were suddenly happy again. And he was a very different personality and made me laugh with his antics. It helps.

Don’t feel guilty - it is just part of grief. It must have been very quick and it would have made no difference if you were there or not but it is hard for it to be so sudden and no chance to say goodbye. But you can do that now.

Do take care. Getting out and about and distractions and doing nice things helps. If you feel really bad then the Blue cross has a very good pet bereavement support by email xxx

[LunaTheHamster1]

I am sorry for your loss, yes I totally understand how you feel that we don't have them for long but we love them so deeply, so you are not alone. When one of my rescue hamsters had to be put to sleep after only having her for a month and a half a friends words helped me, and I have it printed out on my notice board to remind me. 'With or without you hamsters have short lives so even though it might be difficult you must realize that they are going to die anyways and what you are giving them is love and a safe happy home and that is priceless.' . Please try and take comfort in that you gave your little girl a loving home.

[Chicleteer]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's especially hard when it's so unexpected. I wish you well as you adjust to your little friend being gone. It sounds like she was a happy little girl, active and running around, and I hope the good memories of your time together will bring you comfort.