Henry

[Socks' Mum]

Very sweet to see him with his treat ball

 

[ilguy]

It's not surprising he needs some alone time. He's listening but does look a bit wary there. He probably just needs to get his life organised again. That is really good it hasn't filled up again. It could be a very slow growing tumour that doesn't give him too much trouble and might even be benign. It's the complications they cause (as your vet found) then that are the thing to keep an eye on. Your vet sounds really excellent as if she hadn't drained that area, it might have burst and that would have been traumatic all round.

If he's not keen on taking the metacam from a syringe now, what I do is drop it onto a tiny bit of baby food on a separate dish. They all seem to love baby food (pumpkin and chicken or sweet squash and chicken have always been favourites with mine). They just lick it up - even if it's not straight away, it's all gone by morning, and that is fine. It means they don't get too much "medical" interference and feel a bit more in control.

Mine have got up for the baby food every day and loved it! I don't know which jars etc you can get in the US - can you get Hipp organic or Cow and gate? The jars keep in the fridge for a day or two once opened, so you do get some waste as you only get two days-worth out of a jar but I think it's worth it! The key is to give a very small, pea or bean sized amount to make sure they eat it all - and to put the metacam on top so they get the full dose.

It's a difficult time when we are doing our best for them and also need to respect their independence and keep that bond of trust. Partly why I use the baby food method if the hamster isn't keen on being handled.

That's an awesome idea Maz, I will get some baby food and try it. Henry does love his pumpkin

 

[ilguy]

I don't have footage, but Henry did ask for an adventure yesterday for the first time since having the mass drained. He had a good explore, and I set up the last of his sprays from his birthday around the enclosure. Also left some seeds for him to find, hope he has some fun with it tonight. He's a very determined and brave little guy, still eating and drinking. I'll keep matching his pace

 

[Socks' Mum]

I don't have footage, but Henry did ask for an adventure yesterday for the first time since having the mass drained. He had a good explore, and I set up the last of his sprays from his birthday around the enclosure. Also left some seeds for him to find, hope he has some fun with it tonight. He's a very determined and brave little guy, still eating and drinking. I'll keep matching his pace

Great that Henry is up and having a good time and eating and drinking well

 

[Maz]

It's great he wanted a little adventure. He's just carrying on as before now he's forgotten about his hassly vet visit

 

[Steve]

Oh what I little legend Henry is, an absolute trooper after a roton week. So great to see him doing so well.

 

[ilguy]

Henry was up again in the afternoon and munching on some flax in the sandbath. I offered a bonus treat and he climbed up my arm then demanded an adventure with some pawing at the bin. Got some quality time in As always the clothes pile is a favorite and it wouldn't be an adventure without raiding the human's room. Had to let him in the peanut jar too.

The spot under his leg still isn't filling up again, he's moving okay considering his age and condition. When he wants he can still zoom at about 4/5th his normal speed.

Still has the same personality on full display. I was concerned he was looking too lean but weighed him and he's at 45 G still. All things considered, still living his life with full spirit today.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[ilguy]

It's great he wanted a little adventure. He's just carrying on as before now he's forgotten about his hassly vet visit

Oh what I little legend Henry is, an absolute trooper after a roton week. So great to see him doing so well.

You guys have the funniest timing, he came out for a quality adventure in the middle of your posts! I will give him some egg & cheese tonight for everyone on here.

 

[Maz]

He looks great It maybe isn't bothering him - and metacam will help any other aches or pains That's really good it hasn't filled up again. Here's hoping he has a long and comfortable life. I think he's entitled to be a bit lean at his age It is normal for them to gradually loose a bit of weight or feel a bit leaner, but it's great he's eating and enjoying things. It was probably the discomfort before that was making him off his food and your vet relieved that for him.

 

[ilguy]

He looks great It maybe isn't bothering him - and metacam will help any other aches or pains That's really good it hasn't filled up again. Here's hoping he has a long and comfortable life. I think he's entitled to be a bit lean at his age It is normal for them to gradually loose a bit of weight or feel a bit leaner, but it's great he's eating and enjoying things. It was probably the discomfort before that was making him off his food and your vet relieved that for him.

Big time, poor little guy was so hampered by it. It seems to have done more good than anticipated, maybe he will make it another month. I won't let him suffer if it starts to become un-livable, trying to let him live life on his terms. I'm thrilled right now his terms are sharing love and adventures

 

[Maz]

That's the way to see it and it's a difficult time because we just don't know how long they have or if or when or what will happen - could be a few months even. So it's just a case of one week at a time. We know when they start to be in trouble though. He is doing well though - he's a little trooper

 

[Socks' Mum]

Glad he's enjoying his treats and is visiting his favourite places

 

[ilguy]

Got some organic pumpkin baby food and mixed his metacam like Maz suggested. He had some of it, I think he got turned off when he stepped in it. Tomorrow I will try a tiny bowl for it.

That said, he immediately demanded an adventure! 3rd day in a row, he's looking great. Also out at his normal hours again I will get a follow up ultrasound in a week, give him some time to unwind and see if there's any change in the size of the tumor. He put on some 100% speed zooms today too

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[Maz]

Aw he got it on his paws. Maybe a little bit too much pumpkin baby food I know it spreads out a bit though. I used to use tiny dolls house plates to put the baby food on so it couldn't spread far! Or a teaspoon works as well. Maybe try a teeny tiny amount.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Henry is looking well, lovely to see

 

[Lovelyness]

Aww, sounds like he’s doing well

 

[ilguy]

Aw he got it on his paws. Maybe a little bit too much pumpkin baby food I know it spreads out a bit though. I used to use tiny dolls house plates to put the baby food on so it couldn't spread far! Or a teaspoon works as well. Maybe try a teeny tiny amount.

Henry is looking well, lovely to see

Aww, sounds like he’s doing well

He's doing astonishingly well, demanded his 4th adventure in a row tonight. He's going full speed on his wheel and acting like he's 100%, when I saw he was up wouldn't stop pawing until I got the taxi. He circled around me for a good 7 minutes with some snuggles mixed in. I found Henry likes it when I'm wearing my bath robe, hiding between it and my leg for a little breaks.

I'm really curious now if it might be in remission, I'm going to call tomorrow and consult his vet.

 

[Maz]

That is great news. I think it sounds to me like the lump wasn't really bothering him (it could be benign) and the problem was the fluid build up, which was released. And fingers crossed it sounds like it isn't filling up again.

Every day is a gift I think keeping him on metacam is a good idea, and I'm sure your vet would agree

 

[Socks' Mum]

Such a sweetie

 

[ilguy]

I'm getting my hopes up, he seems to be doing better each day. I wasn't sure if he wanted another adventure or not tonight, getting up on his castle to communicate is context sensitive. He went from his castle to paw at the bin which leaves no doubt

So 5th day in a row Henry wanted an adventure, and these are full half to hour long ones. He's zooming full speed again, no signs of mobility issues today. I got a shot of him finishing up his scavenger hunt, then coming in for some brushes & snuggles. He also built a sizable construction overnight, the front of his wheel now has a mound near where he tried to bury the treat ball.

I'm so happy, he is just thriving this week. I talked to the vet and a follow-up ultrasound is scheduled for a week and a half from now.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies