Pickle's Thread - Page 35

Pebbles82 · 09-20-2021, 11:30 AM

Thanks Ria. No I'm past the idea that the eye might come out or something. After the online vet advice and further discussion today. He can live with the eye like that on Metacam - possibly. The eye removal is more about whether or not it's safe to leave the eye as it is or whether it's likely to lead to more infection or pain. I think at the moment the Metacam is relieving any possible pain and discomfort (although don't know if that is fully).

There's also the head swelling. Until the antibiotics are finished, won't know if it's infection or something else (I still think it's likely to be infection from injury as it came on so quick after free roaming).

So it's more a case of what would keep him most comfortable and the exotic vet is very good on establishing whether or not surgery is an option. And would let me decide either way. But if she says - that eye needs to come out, it'll get worse and Metacam won't be enough - I'd go with that. If she said - well I could remove the eye or we could continue with metacam - up to you - then there'd be a decision to make. So just taking one day at a time right now.

I am so sorry about Clarissa - but don't feel you cut her life short - you were trying to prevent her suffering.

Every case is a bit different as well. I know the exotic vet would say she wasn't operating if she didn't feel Pickle was in good enough health or condition.

At the moment he's been zipping around at night and using his wheel.

Ria P · 09-20-2021, 12:58 PM

Was it the same exotics vet who removed Pickle's scent gland tumor?

Pebbles82 · 09-20-2021, 01:08 PM

Yes that's right - couldn't see her last week due to short notice, hence seeing the inexperienced vet last week.

Ria P · 09-20-2021, 03:26 PM

That's good. At least she'll know how he responds to the aneasthesia and how quickly he recovered, should it come to surgery.

Pebbles82 · 09-20-2021, 04:50 PM

Yes, she's the only one I'd go with if it came to surgery but also her advice is good and she lets you make your own decisions - unless she thinks it's a welfare issue.

Pebbles82 · 09-21-2021, 04:42 AM

It has been a bizarre and slightly stressful last week! With Pickle suddenly developing an issue just before the Robo arrived. Very bizarre with one hamster having gentle care and meds and the other one a new excited maverick one settling into a cage.

But both are getting my attention. Pickle mostly as the Robo needs settling in time anyway.

I was reassured to see Pickle zooming along in his tube to and from his sputnik and using his wheel at night, on the nightcam. Although I haven't actually seen him for the last two nights. He's avoiding me since the vet visit. Sad. No more coming to the door and whisker kisses at the moment. It might partly be as well that the feeding regime has changed with the meds, so instead of one distinct feeding time with veg to look forward to, he has intermittent ones with exciting beefy stuff put in front of his house - so no motivation to come out!

I do think he likes that there's another hamster again though - he had only ever known another hamster being here from being a baby (Moo) and did seem quite affected after Moo died. I think the robo whizzing about may have stimulated Pickle to keep coming out at night. But maybe he would do that anyway - I don't know. Anyway it hasn't stopped him coming out at night.

He is running in his wheel the other way round to usual. Which is strange, because now he's running the opposite way, his bad eye is nearer the middle - you would think it would be the other way round (in case he catches it against the spinning centre part). But maybe it's to avoid air flow on his eye?

Ria P · 09-21-2021, 06:52 AM

I think that hamsters are aware of and animate each other.
I find that with Rodney who lives in the lounge with the foster tank opposite of his Alaska. He sits on his shelf and looks across when the tank is empty, almost like he's waiting for something to move.

I don't know how much or if hamsters can see in the dark but they can probably sense see with their eyes which would explain why Pickle's good eye now points out into his surroundings.

Pebbles82 · 09-21-2021, 07:04 AM

Ah good point about the eye.

Pebbles82 · 09-22-2021, 03:39 AM

Something is now protruding out of Pickle’s eyeball. I’m wondering if it’s an abscess trying to get out. Sent photos to the vets and asked for an appointment with the exotic vet but they said she doesn’t have one this week. I’ve said could she squeeze me in. Left that they’re going to get exotic vet to give me a call after seeing the photos. I think she needs to see it really and give an opinion as to what it is and what next.

Pickle himself is just as active and energetic. Wanted to come out last night and vigorously climbing the sofa and wanted to be on the floor so had a tiny bot of free roaming.

Ria P · 09-22-2021, 05:13 AM

Please keep us updated. I hope that you will be able to see the exotics vet to find out what is happening now.

I watched Pip's night videos and was surprised to see Pickle's wheel going fast as well.