Rodney

[Pebbles82]

I'm sorry I missed this. Agree with continuing with the antibiotics. They can feel quite ropey while on them but can improve once they end the course. It's important they finish a full course though or bugs can get worse. You probably know about that anyway .

Poor little man. When our robo was on baytril he looked absolutely terrible. But he came round again after ending them. You could give probiotic at the same time and for a while afterwards to help support the gut.

I used benebac powder (which is one US vets prescribe). Cypher used to swear by Dr S potent brew sold at rat rations.

Benebac powder doesn't seem to be available these days.

Potent Brew - Dr. S

And lots of treats and whatever he fancies Hope his meds end soon.

[Pebbles82]

If you have to do a full cage clean I'd move him to the hamster heaven and leave him there. As you say it's a good height for an older hamster - if the layout is the same he should adjust ok.

[Ria P]

Yes, i'll complete the treatment plan. The baytril will finish tomorrow and the anti parasite treatment on Friday.
I'll clean the cage over the weekend and yes, moving him into the Hamster Heaven would be easier as well. I could set it up enough to keep him going until the rest of his stuff has been washed and baked.

If he doesn't improve, i'm going to call it a day with treatments. There's only so much i'm willing to put an elderly hamster through but i had to try.

Problem with gastric issues is that Metacam could aggrevate it so i'll need to keep a very close eye on him which i'm doing anyway.

He's not affected by the Baytril. He always looks rough when he first gets up. He'll have a wash later and spruce himself up a bit.

[Ria P]

I used the Dr S for Henry but it didn't really make any difference. I'll think about that one and thanks for pointing it out Serendipity.

[Pebbles82]

I haven't used it myself. I used the benebac as it was a powder and just probiotic - no vitamins. I don't know if it made a difference or not but it was just something to try and help him along at the time.

With the cage change. Do you have another Alaska? That would be the most familiar move. On the other hand the lower height of the HH is probably better if he's older.

I know what you mean about putting them through things with meds. But you did need to sort the parasites really and I'm sure he'll feel better for it after he finishes those meds.

[Ria P]

Oh yes, the parasite needed treating but i think there's more going on and so does the vet hence the course of antibiotics.
The poops look a bit better now and he's currently in his playground on the wheel.
It's when he didn't improve while on medication i asked myself if it is worth the stress i put him under.

[Ria P]

I sold the Alaskas and nearly all my cages to stop myself from rescuing more hamsters because i felt that the two old boys needed more care now.

I can't see tapeworm eggs surviving on shelves because i've taken the shelves and ramps off already and washed them. His pooping spots and nest etc i'm cleaning daily but i want to change the substrate to make sure that there aren't any.

I didn't see my regular vet last time and can't find any reliable info on internal parasites aftercare, i.e. when/if to clean the cage, only treatment.

I've looked on the german forum but their measures are quite radical compared to my way of thinking.

[Ria P]

That's Rodney tonight fully awake and groomed.20220905_204046.jpg

[Ria P]

I sourced an Alaska but then changed my mind because i have still too many cages.

[Pebbles82]

Aw he looks so sweet there.