Sudden weight gain

Teesoo · 09-14-2023, 08:41 AM

Hi all,

Our Syrian hamster has suddenly gained a lot of weight. He’s about 27-28 months old, and I guess as part of the normal aging process, over the past few months, he isn’t as active as he used to be and sleeps a lot more. Other than that he’s been absolutely fine until very recently. Within the last week, he suddenly seems to have swelled around his tummy. He is still eating, drinking and pooing, and still seems alert and inquisitive, but with the extra weight is struggling to get around. I’m really worried about him and why it has happened so suddenly. He’s like a little furry ball at the moment! We have a vet appointment tomorrow to get him checked out. I was wondering if anyone had experienced anything similar or had any words of advice?

Many thanks

T

ElenaGD · 09-16-2023, 06:14 AM

My little one also experienced a gain of 10 grams in a short time. Everything seemed to be fine with her. Veterinarian will check weight every week and if there were significant variations, he would look for disease at the endocrine level. Luckily it stabilized and there were no changes, I never knew what had happened. Have you already been to your vet?

Teesoo · 09-16-2023, 08:06 AM

We took him to the vet yesterday who did an examination and an ultrasound scan. She thinks he has fluid building up in his abdomen due to organ failure and the best option to prevent him suffering is to put him to sleep. He's still with us but we're returning to the vets for that next week. Feeling pretty devastated to be honest. I'm going to miss him

ElenaGD · 09-18-2023, 12:41 PM

sad story. Is your pet happy? eat and look well, without pain? It's a very difficult decision. If it were my little girl, as long as I saw her well I would wait.
I hug you in the distance

Teesoo · 09-19-2023, 04:21 AM

Thanks Elena.
He's not really eating or drinking or moving around much. When he does try to move, he seems so frail and like he can barely stand up. The swelling around his abdomen seems to be getting bigger. It's heartbreaking seeing him like this. Painful though it is, it does feel like putting him to sleep is the best option for him. He does seem to be suffering.

souffle · 09-25-2023, 03:40 AM

I'd see the vet urgently. The swelling can be due to fluid in the abdomen due to heart or kidney failure or a tumour inside him. Sometimes the kindest act of love is to give rest and a peaceful passing free from pain. I hope his path is gentle.

Teesoo · 10-08-2023, 05:10 AM

Sorry its taken me a while to reply.
We took him in to the vets, and after doing an ultrasound scan, the vet gave me the worst news. He had a tumour in his abdomen and the swelling was caused by a build up of fluid. There was nothing that could be done for him, so the best thing was for him to be put to sleep. We took him home for the family to say goodbye and then returned to the vet the next day for him to be put to sleep. It felt horrible to be taking him back to the vets, even though I knew it was the best thing for him. He slipped away peacefully and we buried him in the garden. He's really missed, and even now a few weeks later, I'm still having a few tears writing this. He was such a funny little thing and brought a lot of happiness for the time we had him.
Sleep well little buddy. We miss you.

souffle · 10-08-2023, 10:13 AM

So sorry you lost him but you gave him rest when he needed it and prevented any suffering. Run free at the bridge little one x

BlueSapphire22 · 10-11-2023, 08:29 PM

Sorry for your loss Teesoo. Best wishes to you and yours