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Old 07-29-2021, 10:03 PM   #1
BuddyBearHam
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Under your bed
Posts: 42
Question Tips for vet trips/carriers

Im thinking my hybrid dwarf hamster, Chester has an infection.
Im getting him into the vet as soon as I can.
Any tips for taking him there?
How should I set up the carrier?
How am I supposed to wake him up for the appointment?
Any tips for giving him medicine? This was somewhat difficult with my passed hamster who was more tame than Chester and I’m expecting he will need antibiotics/possibly some painkillers.


Its been a while and I’m nervous because my passed hamster had to be euthanized and I don’t want that to have to happen with Chester.

Any help is greatly appreciated.


Thanks!
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Old 07-30-2021, 01:26 AM   #2
Ria P
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Default Re: Tips for vet trips/carriers

I'd take him as soon as possible because infections don't get better by themselves and he may be in pain.

Taking a pet to the vet is no different from going to the doctors ourselves. We don't want to but we have to or we get worse and not better.

I took three of our dwarfs to the vet recently and do the following:
I get a transport box ready with substrate and a hide in it. I used to put food in it but don't do that now since a dwarf spat the contents of her pouches at the vet plus it can make checking the teeth and pouches more difficult.
Then i rustle the substrate until i can locate the hamster while calling their name and give them a chance to wake up a little. Depending on how tame the hamster is, i either scoop them up in my hands or tempt them into a mug with a treat.
As for medication, i'd wait and see what the vet says first. Some medication hamsters love to take and others they hate.

As for euthanasia, that is something i wouldn't worry about. It only happens with the owner's consent and only in the event where a hamster is suffering.

The sooner you find out what's wrong with Chester the better.
I find that a vet visit isn't as distressing for a hamster as people often expect.
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Old 07-30-2021, 06:01 AM   #3
BuddyBearHam
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Default Re: Tips for vet trips/carriers

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
I'd take him as soon as possible because infections don't get better by themselves and he may be in pain.

Taking a pet to the vet is no different from going to the doctors ourselves. We don't want to but we have to or we get worse and not better.

I took three of our dwarfs to the vet recently and do the following:
I get a transport box ready with substrate and a hide in it. I used to put food in it but don't do that now since a dwarf spat the contents of her pouches at the vet plus it can make checking the teeth and pouches more difficult.
Then i rustle the substrate until i can locate the hamster while calling their name and give them a chance to wake up a little. Depending on how tame the hamster is, i either scoop them up in my hands or tempt them into a mug with a treat.
As for medication, i'd wait and see what the vet says first. Some medication hamsters love to take and others they hate.

As for euthanasia, that is something i wouldn't worry about. It only happens with the owner's consent and only in the event where a hamster is suffering.

The sooner you find out what's wrong with Chester the better.
I find that a vet visit isn't as distressing for a hamster as people often expect.

Okay. Thanks!
I’m calling the vet today
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Old 07-31-2021, 10:50 AM   #4
Fluffagrams
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Default Re: Tips for vet trips/carriers

If your hamster does have an infection, the most likely treatment that will be recommended is Baytril which is an antibiotic. Unfortunately I have been told that it tastes awful and given the reluctance of some of my hamsters to take it, I'd believe it!

Some vets will prescribe it to be given in the hamster's water and ideally you'll want to avoid this if you can and ask for the dosage to enable you to give the liquid as it is instead. That way you can always syringe it directly into your hamsters mouth, if your hamster is tolerant enough or you can add it to a small amount of baby food, homemade chicken broth or something similar that you know your hamster enjoys.

Hope your vet visit goes well.
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Old 07-31-2021, 09:14 PM   #5
BuddyBearHam
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Default Re: Tips for vet trips/carriers

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fluffagrams View Post
If your hamster does have an infection, the most likely treatment that will be recommended is Baytril which is an antibiotic. Unfortunately I have been told that it tastes awful and given the reluctance of some of my hamsters to take it, I'd believe it!

Some vets will prescribe it to be given in the hamster's water and ideally you'll want to avoid this if you can and ask for the dosage to enable you to give the liquid as it is instead. That way you can always syringe it directly into your hamsters mouth, if your hamster is tolerant enough or you can add it to a small amount of baby food, homemade chicken broth or something similar that you know your hamster enjoys.

Hope your vet visit goes well.

From my past experience My vet only gives meds that are directly given with a little syringe so I hafta convince him to eat it. I can’t mix it into anything because the vet was concerned about some of the dose being lost.
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Old 08-01-2021, 04:06 AM   #6
Ria P
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Default Re: Tips for vet trips/carriers

A vet once told me to draw up the Baytril first followed by a tiny amount of undeluted Ribena so the hamster gets the sweet taste first and hopefully gobbles up both.

Worked for my hamsters.
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Old 08-04-2021, 02:19 PM   #7
BuddyBearHam
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Default Re: Tips for vet trips/carriers

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
A vet once told me to draw up the Baytril first followed by a tiny amount of undeluted Ribena so the hamster gets the sweet taste first and hopefully gobbles up both.

Worked for my hamsters.


Okay. I’ll see if I can do that. Also his appointment is for Tuesday.
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