Dying hamster 😔

kaylah6 · 01-06-2015, 08:08 AM

Hi all I haven't posted on here since I first got my Syrian 2 years ago asking for advice on my first hammy. Now I'm asking for advice on how to care for her whilst she is old and passing away. I'm devastated, she was totally fine
Then last week I took her to the vet and they put her on antibiotics for a vulva infection. Now she's been back this morning because her eye has crusted over and the other is bulging, she's now blind and I've been told she's old and won't last much longer. I guess I'm just shocked and need some words of kindness/advice on making it as painless as possible. I feel I should have had her put to sleep but I know she would be more comfortable here with me, plus the vet didn't suggest it. People say 'it's just a hamster' but this old girl has seen me through university and all sorts. It's so painful 😢

racinghamster · 01-06-2015, 08:21 AM

Hello kaylah, really sorry to hear your girl isn`t doing so good. She may have a womb infection going on or it may just be age related. You done the right thing seeing the vet. My advice to you would be, if she`s still relatively mobile and eating/drinking a able to do what she always did, even with her ailments, then it may just be a case of keeping a close eye on her and let her tell you when she`s ready. Some hamsters just won`t eat or drink and will sleep without emerging. I feel sometimes it`s better just to let nature run it`s course, but of course, you also need to read the signals of whether she is showing any signs of discomfort like pain, irritability or laboured breathing.

I can tell you now that I never put to sleep unless I see signs of distress or the hamster is not behaving normally and I can visually see deterioration within 24 hours. But you follow your own feelings as only you know your own hamster honey. I hope she is comfortable though and still enjoying some time with you and her appetite is still good. Give her what she wants as her time is probably limited, so why not. x

kaylah6 · 01-06-2015, 08:34 AM

Thank you ☺️ She's taking her treats and drinking but most of her time is spent sleeping. She's very unsteady on her feet and falls over a lot. It's just crazy how last week she was in her ball running around then a few days later she just got really ill and lost her sight. Yeah the vet said dry food but I think at this point if she wants some apple she can have it 😊 ideally I don't wanna have her put to sleep id rather she passed in my lap or in her sleep. I had no idea this would affect me so much, they're gotgeous littl creatures, so much personality! X

BrainGirl · 01-06-2015, 08:47 AM

I know how tough it is to say goodbye and racinghamster gave some good advice. I agree with you that she should have (almost) whatever she wants. Baby food is a big hit with older hams I find. They do tend to age like that in my experience and get very unsteady on their feet in old age so just make sure that her cage layout is simple with nothing she can hurt herself on or fall from. I find a thin layer of bedding that she can walk over easily helps and no obstacles between nest and food and water stations. Might help to give her a smaller home or move the food and water closer to the nest just so she doesn't have to totter as far. (((hugs)))

cypher · 01-06-2015, 08:50 AM

Really sorry to hear this kaylah, they can go downhill very fast especially as your girl is at a good age now, it's very hard to have to watch them go through this but I think all you can do is keep her warm & comfortable. Make sure her food & water are within easy reach if she becomes less mobile. Unless the vet said dry food for a specific reason I'd try her with some baby food or porridge if she'll eat that.
I hope she can live out the rest of her life peacefully with you but if necessary I think you'll know if she's in pain or distressed & you need to make the decision to have her pts, hope it doesn't come to that but you know what's best for her.

Teddy001 · 01-06-2015, 09:25 AM

Kaylah, just wanted to stop by and let you know, you and your hamster are in my thoughts, and prayers. I can not add to whats already been said, as far as advice, however, I do hope your hamster rests peacefully, in the comfort of your presence, when the time comes, and know your love is felt. Hugs to you, xx and your precious fluff.

kaylah6 · 01-06-2015, 10:48 AM

Thank you all, it's just what I needed to hear ☺️ Thanks for your kind words. She's been out for some cuddles and grapes, very weak but content x

racinghamster · 01-06-2015, 11:00 AM

Her coat looks lovely for her age.

She`s basically slowing down kaylah and each day will be precious for you both. Plenty of cuddles and rest will be the best medicine now. Crush up any large biscuits in her mix and as was suggested earlier, make sure her bottle or dish are easy reach. x

Thin Lizzy · 01-06-2015, 09:31 PM

Kaylah, it's horrible when they get ill, just continue with the love and care you've given her since you got her, talk to her more and loads of cuddles. Whatever time she has left, enjoy every minute. Mashed veggies is another good thing. She looks so lovely in the pic.
What's her name?
She's not just a hamster, she's part of you and your life.

kaylah6 · 01-07-2015, 12:20 PM

She's not eating solid food anymore but she is loving porridge. I just keep wondering if I'm doing the right thing, she doesn't seem distressed but the vet said her blindness could be due to a tumour. She's called biscuit �� she is lovely so good natured. I moved her food closer, but it's clear now she's not interested in it and she got confused when I moved her water but I don't think she's really drinking anymore I may have to syringe a bit of fruit juice to her. X