Please may we present-Jarvis and Mocho...

[Coco61]

Thanks so much everyone. I looked back to the start of this thread. I knew it was around now and after some calculations I can say that tomorrow it will be 2 years since Mocho came home with me. 8 months ago, I honestly did not think this time would come and if it did, Mocho would be in the sad condition of the late stages of Cushings. As it is he is still in reasonable shape. His coat may be looking a bit moth eaten again but no more than that. His movement is good so his joints are fine, he is just not as strong. No pulling himself straight up into his Sputnik. He should remember to take the walk up there! I have raised the level of fitch again tonight. That makes his barney slope less steep which is vital as his water is up there. Also he tried to pull himself out of the front door last night so reach me but he is not strong enough. So I upped the level yet again. I am so thankful that my gentle boy has responded to the vet's treatment. It gives hope for the future for other hams.

[Pebbles82]

He is doing amazingly for a 2 year old hamster - with or without Cushings! All down to your timely care and treatment for him. I think it was when Charlie had to start pulling himself up into things that I lowered everything and moved his food and water to substrate level - so he didn't need to go up to get them, only if he felt like it. It might be an idea to move his water bottle lower, so he can get it without climbing. I am sure he can climb up fine, but I used to worry Charlie might lose his balance trying to pull himself up into something. Anyway I am sure you are guaging these kind of things gradually as you see how he is.

[cypher]

Mocho really is doing so well Coco, he's a real trooper & you've taken such great care of him, I'm really pleased for both of you & totally agree this will give hope to others in the future.

[AprilPearl]

Wow, you should be really proud of what you have achieved by getting Mocho to such an old age and in such good condition, too. He is really lucky to have you. And he is a very special little guy, too! May he continue to live long and prosper

[BorisPasha]

Congrats on your 2 year gotcha day Mocho, Coco and GrandpaHam I'm pleased he's still doing so well, as Cypher says he's a real trooper. It definitely gives encouragment and hope to read how well Mocho is doing

[Thin Lizzy]

Congratulations Coco on your 2 years Gotcha Mocho.
I'm so happy for the both of you, Mocho is a little warrior who has taken to his treatment and been looked after by you, his wonderful mum who has also adapted his cage to make it easier to get about. A truly wonderful love & bond XXX

[Hamsterita]

Happy gotcha day Mocho!!!! I'm glad he's doing so well. As I always say to you, you are such a wonderful mom and you take so good care of him! But it's hopeful to know that his medicine could work for other hamsters too

[Coco61]

Everyone has been so kind with their good wishes. Thank you all. I am keeping a close eye on him because I am aware more modifications to his cage may be needed. His barney slope has very little angle to it now. I tried giving him a new hanging treat from Tiny Friends Farm. He did not seem to chew at it much yet I know he loves broccoli. So I unhooked it and laid it on the fitch. In the morning it had vanished. Somehow he had pulled this long chew through his bendy bridge and into the first room of his house. I had to laugh! But despite the effort involved, mean Mum took it out and hung it up again. He had never done that before.

[AprilPearl]

Haha that was very industrious of him! I will laugh so much if he drags it right back again would have loved to see him in action!

[Thin Lizzy]

Aww Mocho, you are funny! Good on him pulling his treat bar into his house. Oh Coco mean of you to take it out lol! But I'd have done the same.