Hamster has died - advice please

[LaFlotte]

Hi All,

DD's hamster has been ill for a while. She had antibiotics for a gynae infection before Xmas and it came back so we got some more but she wasn't eating except for the little bits of veg we hand fed her and I don't think she was drinking much, just sleeping.

She was about 18 months old but until the infection was so happy and lively and was the most tame hamster.

Do you think we did something wrong? I hate to think she suffered. We still held her at night when she didn't really want to get up, just trying to let her know we were there but last night she was so peaceful it seemed cruel to make her get up so we left her to sleep.

I can't help but feel guilty - could we have got her out more etc. Poor DD is going to be devastated.

xx

[Katisha]

You did the right thing. I shouldn't think the poor hamster woudl want to be picked up, but would prefer to sleep. THey are pretty solitary little things and 18 months is par for the course.

[LaFlotte]

Thank you. I hope she didn't suffer. She was in her bed and looked like she just went in her sleep.

She was so healthy until recently but a while ago she started drinking loads so I did wonder if that was a sign of something not being right.

She was very wobbly recently when she got up and we were never sure if it was her being tired but I don't think it was.

Sad times. Thanks for replying. Dreading telling DD.

[Katisha]

Not looking forward to ours going, although I think DH will take it worst!

[LaFlotte]

Funny how attached you get to them isn't it!! I suppose we saw it coming so not a total surprise for DD.

Hopefully you have a good while yet with yours.

[Katisha]

Yes he's only 5 months. I didnt want one at all but he is v amusing.

[EMUZ]

If it was a pyometria (sp?!) then don't worry. Even with antibiotics it comes back, the only cure is to have womb removed. Quite common in hamsters, I lost my last female to it