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Old 01-07-2023, 08:29 AM   #1
RolyRocks
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Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 228
Default My little man is so frail

My beautiful old little man is getting so frail. Loki will be 3 years old next month and I just wish he could talk to let me know whether he is suffering or not.
His ear is still red and swollen, one of his eyes is sticky and closed most of the time and his back legs are very wobbly. Saying this, he still gets up for his food, cracks open his sunflower seeds, enjoys his veg and nibbles away at his wooden sticks.
He is on Metacam twice daily and Canaural ear drops, which unfortunately I can only put on with a cotton swab and gently rub around his ear.
I keep thinking when he goes off his food this will be the time when I know he is no longer happy, but am I wrong in thinking this way, could he be in pain and suffering. I know it is difficult for anybody to answer that question, I just love him SO much and always want to do what is best for him.
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Old 01-08-2023, 01:49 AM   #2
Ria P
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Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Wiltshire, UK
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Default Re: My little man is so frail

I can understand how you feel and wanting to do what is best for Loki. I'm also sorry that i can't be of much help to you.

Are you asking yourself if it would be kinder to have him put to sleep?

I've had my two old boys pts not that long ago. With Rory i could see that he was starting to suffer and would only get worse but with Rodney it wasn't that obvious. I struggled to decide what was for the best but am lucky to have a very good vet who will do everything he can to preserve life but also to prevent suffering.

Maybe you could ask Loki's vet for advice?
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Old 01-08-2023, 04:29 AM   #3
RolyRocks
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Default Re: My little man is so frail

It is the hardest decision in the world and sadly I don't have a great 'hamster' vet.
I was watching Loki this morning munching away and having a little chomp on his wooden stick but then as he walked away he stumbled because his back legs are so weak. I'm really hoping the pain relief is taking away any discomfort he feels. I honestly don't know what is the right thing to do and I know nobody else can make this decision for me. I have never had such an elderly hamster before and I feel so privileged to have had him for this long. The fact he is still eating I'm hoping means he is not in pain and I have lowered everything in his cage so he doesn't have to climb and his food and water are close to his nest.
For now I will continue to closely monitor him and hope with all my heart that he is not suffering.
I am so sorry to hear you recently lost your two little boys, it never gets any easier does it. X
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Old 01-08-2023, 06:05 AM   #4
Ria P
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Location: Wiltshire, UK
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Default Re: My little man is so frail

No, it doesn't get any easier. Our little hamsters become such a big part of our lives and part of us.

My dwarf Ozzy was ill and on metacam for months but managed fine. One morning, he fell over and he wasn't able to turn himself back onto his legs again because he had lost the strength in his back legs. I saw the panic and distress he was in and knew that he would not regain the use of his back legs and that this could happen when i was asleep or not around. I had him pts that very day.

Loki is wobbly and falls over but as long as he is still able to get himself up again and doesn't show any obvious signs of pain like ears down all the time, hunched back etc, he may still have some quality of life left.

I think you will know when he's had enough because you care so much about him and you are sensitive to his needs.
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Old 01-08-2023, 07:22 AM   #5
RolyRocks
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Default Re: My little man is so frail

Thank you Ria, Loki really does mean the world to me and has been such a big part of my life these past couple of years. He has been my little companion through good times and bad and I am going to miss him terribly when it is his time to go. I have even thought about getting him cremated as I wish I had done with my dear Roly. I know I will find comfort in still having him with me in 'our' bedroom.
Thank you for always finding the time to reply to my posts over the years, you have always been so friendly, helpful and kind and I really appreciate it. X
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Old 01-14-2023, 09:25 AM   #6
Ria P
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Default Re: My little man is so frail

How is Loki doing?
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Old 01-15-2023, 10:19 AM   #7
RolyRocks
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Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 228
Default Re: My little man is so frail

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
How is Loki doing?
I am heartbroken to say my little man passed away in my arms on Thursday afternoon.

I am going to post a tribute to him on here when I feel ready, currently I am just too upset.

I miss him SO much, he truly was the most amazing little guy and I was so very lucky to have him in my life.

Thank you so much for asking after him, it really means a lot.
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Old 01-15-2023, 01:57 PM   #8
Ria P
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Join Date: Mar 2019
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Default Re: My little man is so frail

I am so sorry for your loss and can feel your sadness.
Being with you right to the end must have been a huge comfort for Loki. He felt your love every single day of his long and happy life with you. He was a lucky boy.
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