Henry

[Socks' Mum]

Fantastic news, well done Henry and Dad, you are amazing

 

[Maz]

Henry is adorable! I've never heard of a hamster liking a vet! She must be a very special vet Many vets get bitten by hamsters, but IMO it's because they don't treat the hamster with respect! And the hamster knows it. Vets are just doing their job - examining, weighing etc, but it can be very clinical. Even my good vet tends to treat/handle them like a "specimen". With one of my robos I actually (cheekily) explained to the vet, the best way to pick him up and hold him, and after he had had a run around in the bin I brought with me, so he felt less scared.

 

[ilguy]

Thank you guys, I'm so happy we will get to spend the rest of his old age together. He's currently enjoying a snooze on his favorite cheese tile, and due for some sour cream tonight.

I wish I was half as good at handling Henry as she is Maz. He doesn't mind or squirm for a few minutes, he's only ever given her one gentle nibble the day she drained that mass. She had to hold him quite a bit, can't blame Henry for wanting to be put down. With me he just squirms right away and wants out He did take his metacam voluntarily from the syringe a few times though, maybe he realizes she's helping him?

 

[Maz]

He is being cheeky with you and on his best behaviour with the vet maybe And perhaps he does know that the vet is helping him.

 

[ilguy]

Henry was up a little earlier and got up on his castle signaling for me. I took the opportunity to make him some egg, took a little longer than he wanted. Saw that he was still up in his nook, so he's in for some breakfast in bed:

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[Maz]

So cute - breakfast in bed. Good to hear he is still summoning you

 

[Socks' Mum]

Henry was up a little earlier and got up on his castle signaling for me. I took the opportunity to make him some egg, took a little longer than he wanted. Saw that he was still up in his nook, so he's in for some breakfast in bed:

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Gorgeous little nibbler

 

[Hank]

Great news

 

[ilguy]

Looks like I misread what Henry was trying to tell me the past few days. Today he was up at 4 pm again, but wouldn't take the mug. He kept pawing and I offered each of his things one at a time. He was asking for metacam, took it immediately and licked up every drop out of the syringe. I've been offering it every 2-3 days based on his movement, might need to offer it daily.

He's been extra affectionate, keeps trying to climb up my arm now and snuggles more. Still doesn't like petting even so He's back on a forage board kick

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[Maz]

He looks great He's loving that forage board. Yes I would give the metacam every day - he's a little old guy and it'll help keep him comfortable.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Sweet little Henry ❤

 

[ilguy]

He looks great He's loving that forage board. Yes I would give the metacam every day - he's a little old guy and it'll help keep him comfortable.

I agree, and he is showing a few signs of old age. I think his eyesight and smell has gone a little, sometimes he gets going up to full speed and bumps into something.

Sweet little Henry ❤

He really is, love my little old ham

 

[Lovelyness]

What a clever boy asking for his metacam

 

[ilguy]

What a clever boy asking for his metacam

I didn't do the best job filming, but managed to get him taking it today. He normally goes right for it, took him a bit to notice the syringe.

Today's a special adventure, he's been wanting in the kitchen but it's been blocked off for repairs. Can't wait to see him zooming around in it

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[Maz]

It's so lovely seeing him interact with you and he was so good taking meds from the syringe Presumably quite a routine now? He looks well and happy and enjoying his life. Shame the kitchen adventure had to be postponed.

 

[ilguy]

It's so lovely seeing him interact with you and he was so good taking meds from the syringe Presumably quite a routine now? He looks well and happy and enjoying his life. Shame the kitchen adventure had to be postponed.

I'm curious if he will still keep getting up early now that he can count on metacam at regular breakfast time. But he's having a ball, out for a whole hour tonight and really loving climbing on all his toys! Funny enough, now that the kitchen is available he had no interest in it. I brought it to him instead, some egg white & cheese he took a little bit of.

My only concern is he's been extra thirsty this week, I'm hoping it's just his appetite returning after those rough weeks battling cancer. Have to keep an eye on it at his age, looks like he's still using his pee spot normally.

 

[Maz]

I think most older hamsters start drinking more as they age - and peeing more as well sometimes. Their kidneys don't work as well as when they were young.

 

[ilguy]

I think most older hamsters start drinking more as they age - and peeing more as well sometimes. Their kidneys don't work as well as when they were young.

Yup, that's exactly what I'm keeping my eye on. Don't want to miss any signs if they start failing

 

[Maz]

All my hamsters have had the extra drinking and peeing in older age, but have not seemed to have any ill-effects from it - it's just ageing really. I believe their kidneys are one of the first organs to stop functioning as well, but I've never had or heard of a hamster dying from kidney problems - I think their kidneys tend to last longer than they do, sadly.