Advise on what could be wrong

[PumpkinJeff]

Hello,
We have a 18 month old Syrian hamster called pumpkin. About 6 weeks ago she became unwell - she was lethargic, not opening her eyes, breathing quickly and sitting / sleeping in strange parts of her home (not in her bed). The next day we took her to vet, only for her to perk up upon arrival and given a clean bill of health (we honestly don’t think we’d be bringing her home!). She’s been fine since, but today, we’ve noticed she’s not herself again, displaying similar symptoms to 6 weeks ago. She is eating and moving around (much slower than usual) but she’s sitting hunched in strange locations like the corner of her home. I can take her to vet again but our vet isn’t particularly clued up on hamsters. I was curious whether anyone might know what is going on - why she was ill but got better by herself 6 weeks ago and now showing similar symptoms again. There are no signs of wet tail BTW. Thank you.

 

[Maz]

Hi there. Sorry to hear Pumpkin is not herself. At 18 months she is at the start of official old age and there may be something going on that isn't obviously noticeable. Could you maybe find an exotic vet in your region? They know more about hamsters and may be able to pinpoint something if you describe the behaviour. But it's possible she is in pain somewhere. Which is quite common as they get older. They can get arthrititis, toothache and there can be various other causes of pain - maybe even internal. They often respond very well to Metacam (equivalent of Ibuprofen for hamsters) which can give a new least of life if it's something like arthritis. I take it there is no signs of blood or unusual discharge - female Syrians can get pyometra (womb infection). Which would also cause pain and discomfort. Or a Uti. Meds for pain or infection can only be prescribed by a vet, so I would try and find an exotic vet to take her to. Which country/region are you in?

Is she eating ok? And her weight stable? If not then another thing to check is her front teeth. The bottom ones can overgrow and grown into the roof of the mouth sometimes, which stops them eating properly and could also cause pain and discomfort obviously.

The hunched description sounds like pain to me, but it depends what is causing it. Sometimes when it's not clear what the problem is, vets prescribe antibiotics and pain relief and see if anything improves. Other times they may find a small lump somewhere and then be able to advise if it's suitable for surgery or ongoing pain relief etc.

Personally I do think it needs an examination by an exotic vet.

 

[PumpkinJeff]

Thank you for your helpful reply. Since I messaged, Pumpkin seems to be preparing to pass away - she is still with us but she doesn’t come out of her bed, day or night. She is still eating however. It’s a difficult decision of whether to take her to the vets to be euthanised (in case she is suffering) or, my strong preference, which is to leave her in peace where she is safe, cosy and warm, and in familiar surroundings. She’s been in her bed for a few days now and as much as we love her, I do hope she can pass away peacefully rather than put her through the stress of removing her from her snug and taking her to a vets. Any kind advise would be appreciated as I haven’t had this experience with a hamster before. But I assume her withdrawal is a sign that she is slowly shutting down. Thanks so much

 

[Socks' Mum]

I haven't been in this situation myself yet. I think if she is eating and not in distress, I agree, I would leave her to sleep and possibly pass in the comfort of her nest. Poor Pumpkin. Wishing you and Pumpkin comfort

 

[Lovelyness]

Tricky one…when my hamster was looking as if she were going to pass away, I did leave her for approximately 48 hours, hoping she would pass peacefully in her bed. However, I then realised that she was struggling, and literally raced down to the vets with her where she was pts it turned out that she had a gut obstruction. The vet said that I did the right thing in taking her as she wouldn’t have passed easily. Best to keep a close eye on her so that you are ready if needs be. It isn’t a nice situation to be in

 

[ShelbysMum1984]

Sorry to read this. My last hamster, Harry, was a similar age which I thought was quite young. I didn’t realise he was sick in time but, if I had, I probably would have taken him to the vet given he was only at the beginning of ‘old age’. That said, I understand wanting to leave them in peace where they feel safe and happy. I guess it’s hard to know if it’s something that can be helped without seeing the vet? They are such small creatures and hide it so well - when they show distress they are usually quite ill already. Sending lots of love. Xx

 

[Socks' Mum]

Sorry, Pumpkin, I am sorry for my mistake

 

[Rescued One]

I have had two pass at home, and it was not a pleasant experience for either myself or the hamster. My first Zelda had polycystic disease and got suddenly worse right at the Christmas holidays when there was not a vet appointment to be had. My second Stash had a bad medication reaction and passed in my arms as I was calling the vet to get an appointment for her. My Peanut has a large malignant tumor that has become cumbersome for him and is starting to slow him down. I have decided that I want to remember him bright and happy, instead of watching him decline, so we have an appointment to have him euthanized this Saturday.
There is no "right' or best decision - just follow your heart.

 

[Maz]

Sorry, Pumpkin, I am sorry for my mistake

I've edited the post for you

 

[Maz]

Thank you for your helpful reply. Since I messaged, Pumpkin seems to be preparing to pass away - she is still with us but she doesn’t come out of her bed, day or night. She is still eating however. It’s a difficult decision of whether to take her to the vets to be euthanised (in case she is suffering) or, my strong preference, which is to leave her in peace where she is safe, cosy and warm, and in familiar surroundings. She’s been in her bed for a few days now and as much as we love her, I do hope she can pass away peacefully rather than put her through the stress of removing her from her snug and taking her to a vets. Any kind advise would be appreciated as I haven’t had this experience with a hamster before. But I assume her withdrawal is a sign that she is slowly shutting down. Thanks so much

It is very difficult sometimes. I think we all hope they will pass peacefully in their nest, but sometimes hamsters take a very long time to die - it's survival - even if they are suffering or in pain. They may be dying of one thing but still have a strong heart. So it's a case of weighing up quality of life really but also seeing if pain relief would help her. Is she actually getting up to eat?

There is also a middle ground between leaving them alone and taking them to be pts, and that is to try giving pain relief. They can come round amazingly sometimes if it is just pain that is causing them not to do much. I had this experience myself recently with my slightly over 2 year old Syrian. He had taken to his bed, only coming out once a day to get food, staggering a bit, not coming out at all at night or using his wheel. I thought he was dying. But he had Metacam prescribed and just came round and was happy and active again - he probably just has bad arthritis and the pain was stopping him doing anything.

They can have arthritis in their hips, or jaw, or have bad toothache, or some internal condition causing pain. I think the first thing to do is take her to the vets and ask if you can try her with Metacam and see if she improves.

 

[PumpkinJeff]

Thanks so much for all your helpful comments and support, it’s appreciated. Pumpkin has now come out of her burrow and is lying down in a different part of her home - she appears to be sleeping but I assume she is in the process of passing away. She looks peaceful and is still breathing so I assume the end is near and to take her to the vets now will case unnecessary stress (unless of course she doesn’t pass in the next 24 hours). Does anyone else have experience of a hamster doing this in their last few hours, to confirm that she is in fact preparing to pass? Thanks so much

 

[Maz]

It's an unknown factor and every situation varies. It sounds like you have an instinct that Pumpkin is nearing her time. Sometimes they have another burst and rally round for a while. Other times they can start to become in distress. I think the main thing is be prepared to have to act quickly if she is suddenly in distress and needs helping on her way.

I had to take one of mine in a hurry once as he started swelling, and I only just got there in time. If he had burst it would have been a horrible way to go screaming.

These are difficult decisions and you are going with your instincts and keeping an eye on things. I think if she lingers for a few days you might want to think about relieving the suffering, even if she is unconscious.

 

[PumpkinJeff]

Thanks so much for your support - it’s really appreciated. Sadly I took the difficult decision to take Pumpkin to the vet to be PTS as I was concerned she was suffering because she was no longer in her burrow and lying in the open part of her home. Such an awful decision to have to make but everyone’s support has helped especially as you understand being fellow hamster lovers. We miss her dearly. Thanks again.

 

[Socks' Mum]

I've edited the post for you

Thanks Maz

 

[Socks' Mum]

Very sad news. Sleep softly at the bridge little Pumpkin you were greatly loved

 

[Maz]

Thanks so much for your support - it’s really appreciated. Sadly I took the difficult decision to take Pumpkin to the vet to be PTS as I was concerned she was suffering because she was no longer in her burrow and lying in the open part of her home. Such an awful decision to have to make but everyone’s support has helped especially as you understand being fellow hamster lovers. We miss her dearly. Thanks again.

They are such very hard decisions and no decision is wrong if made out of love and care x It's always better a day too soon than a day too late. And sometimes we wish they would "just go" and they don't.

Big hugs to you and play well over the Rainbow Bridge little Pumpkin

 

[Amy]

Thanks so much for your support - it’s really appreciated. Sadly I took the difficult decision to take Pumpkin to the vet to be PTS as I was concerned she was suffering because she was no longer in her burrow and lying in the open part of her home. Such an awful decision to have to make but everyone’s support has helped especially as you understand being fellow hamster lovers. We miss her dearly. Thanks again.

I am so sorry for your loss it’s heartbreaking to see any animal suffer. You made the right decision. Sending you a virtual hug RIP little Pumpkin

 

[ShelbysMum1984]

Thanks so much for your support - it’s really appreciated. Sadly I took the difficult decision to take Pumpkin to the vet to be PTS as I was concerned she was suffering because she was no longer in her burrow and lying in the open part of her home. Such an awful decision to have to make but everyone’s support has helped especially as you understand being fellow hamster lovers. We miss her dearly. Thanks again.

So sorry for you and Pumpkin. Sounds like you trusted your instinct and did the right thing for your baby. x

 

[Rescued One]

Condolences on your loss - it is amazing how such little lives can leave such a big hole in our hearts