Thanks everyone! It’s sad but also reassuring to hear your thoughts based on your experience. Metacam is anti-inflammatory right? I think my vet was concerned about messing up his gastrointestal system as Clover was on antibiotics. But he’s coming off those today so will speak to vet about it again. Also because there was uncertainty of what the lump was for now. But I will speak to vet again. Do you think this can be prescribed without having to take him again? Probably not but am also worried about the vet visits as they are so stressful and last time it seemed to have taken a lot out of him.
Clover going downhill
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I would hope she would prescribe it without you having to take him again because she's already seen him. I think I would ask to speak to her on the phone and say you would like to try him with some metacam (and frankly I think that's rubbish it would mess up his gastro intestinal system at the same time as antibiotics - but that's just my opinion). The antibiotics can mess up their gastro intestinal system a bit but usually only while they're on them and it's back to normal once the course is finished (although this is why people sometimes give a probiotic at the same time). But the metacam doesn't really affect their gastro intestinal system and it's quite a safe medication for an older hamster - providing the dose isn't too high (as with any medication!).
Metacam is the equivalent of Ibuprofen for humans. So it's an anti inflammatory pain reliever.
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Yes - see my post above 
I hope she agrees to prescribe some without having to take him to the vets again. Did she weigh him last time he was there. Because that's one reason she might want to see him before prescribing it - to weigh him to calculate the dose.
I hope she agrees to prescribe some without having to take him to the vets again. Did she weigh him last time he was there. Because that's one reason she might want to see him before prescribing it - to weigh him to calculate the dose.
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So sorry to hear this- our experience with Cinnamon last year was very similar. He was around 1 year 8 months, I think, and we saw some different signs, but still health concerning. Vet put him on antibiotics, probiotics and Metacam. He seemed to do better for awhile but then started going downhill again and when we returned to the vet in 2 weeks she could feel a tumor, which had probably caused the issues with walking that we'd first noticed. At that point (2 weeks later), he had actually stopped eating more than once a day and we didn't want him to suffer anymore so we had to put him to sleep. It was so tough but a relief when we knew he was no longer suffering, and we'd done our best to try to treat him before he passed.
Best of luck with your journey and keep us posted about sweet Clover.
Best of luck with your journey and keep us posted about sweet Clover.
Dear all, unfortunately our dear Clover passed away before I could call the vet to get him on more medication. TBH it was so bad the night before he died that I think nothing would have helped other than putting him to sleep - he was so weak and refused any food and water. I’m sad but also relieved as he’s no longer suffering. I am actually wondering whether it was the tumour all along and not wet tail - am not sure our vet was the best there is, she wasn’t an exotics specialist but I realised it is very hard to get a specialist round where I live. But water under the bridge - should I get a hamster again (cannot quite think about this yet) I will do more investigation into vets from the start (this is the first time I needed one as my previous hamster Marmalade - some might remember her - escaped into the walls and never came back so never got to the old age stage). My children are upset and sad but I think it’s good we can have some closure now. Thanks to everyone for all of your support you have been amazing!!
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Very sad news. He is at rest now. Wishing you and your little ones comfort. Run free over the bridge little Clover
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I am so sorry x It's very hard for you and the children. You're right, at least he is not suffering. This is very similar to what happened with my hammy with the neck lump that appeared - he passed in his sleep. I think it progresses quickly in this area. He's at peace now and he was so lucky to have his family who loved and cared for him. It is so hard for us when they leave. You can maybe explain to your children (as I'm sure you have) that it was his time in old age and he's gone to the rainbow bridge xxx It's a shock as well we start thinking about "next" time" - eg vet changes, and it feels too soon to think but it is a good thought and you'll come back to it at the right time. I had to change vets previously and found a really good exotic vet.
Big hugs to you and your family x If you feel like it at some point you could maybe do a little memorial post for him in the Rainbow Bridge section.
Big hugs to you and your family x If you feel like it at some point you could maybe do a little memorial post for him in the Rainbow Bridge section.
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Sorry to hear your sad news. Run free Clover 
