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08-11-2011, 06:02 AM | #1 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY
Posts: 849
| Hamster question - Need Advice! I figured I would post about this on YT because you all are so awesome when it comes to pet issues. I have a 2-year-old Russian dwarf hamster, Fluffernutter. She's been a great little pet in the time that I have had her. So full of personality for a little rodent! About 3 weeks ago I noticed that she had a huge growth on her underside, right in the crook of her hind leg. It was making walking, standing, and running in her wheel difficult. However, she still ran in her wheel a little, came out to play, nibbled her seed log, climbed her ramp, and ate and drank normally. We took her to the vet, had the cyst drained and tested for cancer cells. No cancer, but lots of white blood cells. Doctor said he could feel a hard tumor underneath the cyst. He didn't recommend surgery due to cost and the age of the hamster. We took her home, and within 2 days the cyst had refilled with fluid. Doctor gave us antibiotics for the hammy in the hopes of preventing it from getting any worse. After about 10 days on the antibiotics, SO and I went out of town for 4 days. For that 4 days she didn't get her medicine. When we got back the cyst was huge again. Now her rear leg wasn't even touching the ground and she couldn't run in her wheel at all. She was still lively and trying to do the things she normally does. Took her back to the vet and had it drained again. He told us to keep her on the antibiotics, but that it would assuredly refill again. He didn't want to stress euthanizing hammy because she was still so active and lively. However, he said eventually the cyst may rupture on it's own and that could cause a huge health hazard for hammy. I don't know what to do. My heart is breaking for my little hammy. We cannot afford to have her cyst drained every few weeks, but the thought of euthanizing her also seems so harsh right now. What would you do? How long do I let this go on for?
__________________ Roxie |
Welcome Guest! | |
08-11-2011, 12:39 PM | #2 |
BANNED! Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Illinois
Posts: 4,603
| I was hoping others would jump in and answer. I really have no idea. I know hamsters do not have the longest lifespan. We had a few over the years when the kids were young. If your vet is not hopeful, and the cost is too much to continue the treatments, it may be most humane to have him put down. That is my opinion. |
08-11-2011, 01:25 PM | #3 |
♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 25,041
| I second Steve's recommendation. My brothers and I had a few hamsters when we were kids. Sadly, they do have very short lifespans. I am very sorry for Fluffernutter.
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy |
08-11-2011, 03:25 PM | #4 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY
Posts: 849
| Thanks. I think my biggest fear is just finding her dead in her cage one of these days. I don't think I can handle that.
__________________ Roxie |
08-11-2011, 03:57 PM | #5 |
I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member | Wow, I'm so sorry you’re going through this, it sounds so uncomfortable for the little tyke. Are you sure you have confidence in this vet? I’m hoping my vet can guide me when it's time to let Joey go, I think he did a great job in guiding me with my cats, and this is such an important part of the overall job of the vet. If you can't afford to get it drained every few weeks, I think the best choice is euthanasia. Best of luck in you decision.
__________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals |
09-09-2011, 03:41 PM | #6 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY
Posts: 849
| Sadly, we had to put Hammy down tonight. She finally got to a point where she had no decent quality of life, so we knew it was time. The vet said she had maybe 2 weeks left...and we just didn't want her to keep suffering. I'm very sad. We'll bury her in the backyard at my parent's house tomorrow.
__________________ Roxie |
09-09-2011, 03:44 PM | #7 | |
I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member | Quote:
__________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals | |
09-09-2011, 07:57 PM | #8 |
♥Momma's Bambino♥ Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ca
Posts: 10,026
| I'm sorry you had to put flutternutter down, it was a hard thing to do but seems like it was the best. Hand in there. ((Hugs)) RIP Flutternutter.
__________________ "People with nothing to hide don't usually feel the need to say so." |
09-09-2011, 08:02 PM | #9 |
I ♥ my girls! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: With My Yorkies
Posts: 18,980
| I am so sorry. I do think you made the right decision for Hammy. She will no longer suffer. She will always hold a special place in your heart. Hugs to you during this sad time. RIP Hammy.
__________________ Momma to three sweet Yorkie girls Rosie Marie, Mikki Leigh , and Lily Mae Grace! |
09-10-2011, 10:19 AM | #10 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY
Posts: 849
| Thanks. Most of my family is teasing me for making such a big deal about a hamster, but she was my first little fuzzy creature, and she was important to me.
__________________ Roxie |
09-10-2011, 10:43 AM | #11 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Delray Beach, FL
Posts: 7,984
| I am so sorry for your loss. I had 2 hamsters growing up which were all so very dear to me. Have a nice ceremony for her in your parent's backyard to show your love.
__________________ I'm Karen - Devoted Mama to the Drama Boyz - Cooper & Max www.alldogboots.com |
09-10-2011, 06:17 PM | #12 |
♥Momma's Bambino♥ Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ca
Posts: 10,026
| Don't let the teasing bother you. Some people dont understand the love we have for our little furbabies. From dog to hamster (and everything in between) its still LOVE!
__________________ "People with nothing to hide don't usually feel the need to say so." |
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