Button

[ilguy]

From what the vet told me, it's likely this is poor genetics, otherwise high blood pressure and diabetes are common causes of kidney disease. I don't think it's from the bad water, Button must actually have a great immune system to have not been affected when myself and other hams were.

His teeth are okay, but the porridge suggestion is a great one. Would help with any pain from his gums. The vet also said while there is nothing more to be done, he's not bad enough yet to consider putting him down. With good care, and hopefully more food intake he can still keep going. I will want to watch for him not coming out at all, and if so see how he reacts to some gentle touch. He's not in pain from his skin yet, but eventually the toxins not being filtered by his kidneys will build up.

 

[RainbowBrite]

I know Chinese hamsters are prone to diabetes. It is wonderful Button is not in pain and he is still with you. If he is struggling to eat then perhaps crushing his seed mix will help. You have likely read the article on caring for an elderly hamster but I will link it just in case.

Caring for an older hamster

Caring for a hamster in old age can be very rewarding. They may need some extra attention. The hamster cage may need adjusting to remove levels and they need their teeth and nails checking plus often some supplementing with soft foods.

www.thehamsterforum.com

 

[Member ID2]

Going forward there is still pain relief like metacam available to him. It kept some of my dwarf hamsters going for quite some time when they took ill at around 14 months.

 

[Maz]

I'm sorry Button has this illness - but it's good the vet thinks he can continue like this for a while. I am wondering if it actually could be diabetes as Chinese are genetically prone to that - but assume that's been checked. At some point I would ask the vet about suitable pain relief as and when needed as it might be that Metacam is contraindicated with kidney disease (I think it might be but I'm not sure) but there is another pain relief drug.

 

[ilguy]

Hey guys, long overdue update. Fyi, they did say he wasn't diabetic when he went in. Unfortunately Button has been struggling to pee at all this week, and the little he does now leaves blood on his wheel. He doesn't come out much at all, mostly walks for a minute or two on the wheel then goes back to his burrow. His appetite is also pretty much gone, I'm able to get him to take a nibble of cashew when I hand it to him but that's it.

 

[Maz]

I am so sorry to hear this. He doesn't sound well at all. If he's not diabetic, do they think it's kidney damage? Is he on metacam?

 

[elusive]

I’m really sorry to hear Button is so unwell, it’s so hard to see them like that.
It could be his kidneys, did the vet suggest anything more?
You would probably have noticed if it was the case but prolapsed penis seems to be more common in Chinese hamsters than other species & could cause some of these symptoms.
I’m sure you’re doing everything you can for him.

 

[Maz]

Edit - I forgot I said earlier metacam might be contraindicated if it's kidneys. But there is alternative pain relieve. If he has blood in his urine it does sound like something is really not right. He might even need a course of antibiotics. When do you next see the vet with him?

From the sound of it, I'm wondering if you're thinking it might be time to help him on his way.

 

[Frida]

I'm so sorry to hear about Button. Sending hugs

 

[Member ID2]

I'm so sorry to hear that Button is so unwell. I'd take him to the vet asap. Not being able to pee could cause him pain and he may need your help. Whether that would be medication or to help him on his way i do not know but a good vet should be able to advise.

 

[Zara]

So sorry to read button is unwell, maybe you can just call the vet as they have already seen button recently and they may advise on the best way forward.

 

[RainbowBrite]

I am so sorry to hear such sad news about Button. I am thinking of you both.

 

[RainbowBrite]

I hope you and Button are okay.

 

[ilguy]

Long overdue update, been slammed with work. But I'm afraid Button has passed a few weeks ago. He continued to lose weight and was struggling to use the wheel and get around near the end. I was going to take him to the vet to put him down, but one day found him lying in his corner by the wheel where he liked to clean himself. He was a super sweet hamster, and it was great to finally get to interact with him for a few months. He will be missed.

A new independently owned pet store opened up a block down the street yesterday. I checked it out, and they had a winter white I couldn't say no to. I will make a thread for him, he seems friendly and inquisitive so far. Giving him a week to settle in anyways

 

[RainbowBrite]

So very sorry to hear such sad news. Button was so sweet and I know you will miss him so much.

 

[elusive]

I’m really sorry to hear about Button, he was such a sweet little ham & I can imagine how much you must be missing him.
Good to hear you’ve found another ham, I’m sure that will be a comfort & I’m looking forward to hearing all about him when he’s settled in.

 

[Maz]

I'm so sorry to hear about Button. I think we maybe guessed he may have passed away as he wasn't doing so good. I am so sorry for your loss.

 

[Frida]

So sorry to hear Button has passed away.

I'm looking forward to meeting your new hamster friend

 

[Member ID2]

Yes, i thought that little Button didn't make it. I'm so sorry for your loss. There was a serious issue with your water supply if i remember right and i hope that this has been resolved now.