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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not know how to use a vet??

48 replies

Rainbowbrite82 · 17/07/2023 23:20

DD’s beloved hamster is 2 years old and a bit out of sorts. Not coming out of her bed much, and if she does go in her ball (which she normally loves) she doesn’t go far in it, just finds a dark corner to sit in - whereas she used to scoot around the room on a loop. Noticed she struggles to climb up her ramp a little so I’m not sure if she’s got a leg problem.

Anyway, we’ve never taken her to a vet as we’ve never needed to but I’d like her checked out. Do I just choose any random vet and book an appointment? Is it going to cost a fortune just for a check up??

OP posts:
HouseIsOnFire · 17/07/2023 23:22

Pretty much, you'll have to ring and register.

If you can find a vets4pets, they're pretty transparent on pricing, I think a standard check up is 30-35

stillawakeat4amagain · 17/07/2023 23:23

not all vets will see small animals, so you may need to ring around a few. The consultation is around £50

HouseIsOnFire · 17/07/2023 23:25

HouseIsOnFire · 17/07/2023 23:22

Pretty much, you'll have to ring and register.

If you can find a vets4pets, they're pretty transparent on pricing, I think a standard check up is 30-35

Just realised it costs me that for a cat, I don't know if it varies with species!

Original poster
Rainbowbrite82 · 17/07/2023 23:25

Thank you - feel so stupid!

OP posts:
Mouselemur · 17/07/2023 23:29

You might be best asking the practice if any of the vets specialise in small animals( often classed as exotics)
Be aware though, small animals definitely don’t equal small prices- my Guinea pig cost me £120 for antibiotics and painkillers.

Blossomtoes · 17/07/2023 23:33

She’s old. Apparently anything over 18 months is considered elderly in hamster world. Save your money and start preparing your daughter for the end.

Grandana · 17/07/2023 23:34

yes you'll need to ring them up and ask. Our vet does open surgery so you don't always need an appt, but I always need to ring up anyway to check the hours of the open surgery.

I think our consultations used to be about £35 for a cat, may have gone up by now but maybe less for a hamster. Meds should hopefully be cheap for such a very small animal. Quite often ours will do a follow up included in the cost of the initial consultation.

Original poster
Rainbowbrite82 · 17/07/2023 23:35

Yes, I think she’s probably just slowing down in her twilight years. But I I’d hate to think she was in any pain or discomfort.

I am a bit worried that it might end up costing me an arm and a leg though…😬

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 17/07/2023 23:40

Blossomtoes · 17/07/2023 23:33

She’s old. Apparently anything over 18 months is considered elderly in hamster world. Save your money and start preparing your daughter for the end.

This.

CarrieMoonbeams · 18/07/2023 01:37

Aww poor wee soul. She certainly could have hurt her back or her leg.

I know she will be classed as elderly, but I'm pretty elderly myself and still don't want to be in pain 😊. With a bit of luck it'll be something simple and she'll be back to zooming around soon.

Hope she gets on OK when you find a vet for her @Rainbowbrite82 . I had a hamster as my first pet and they're such gorgeous wee things, I love their little beady eyes and their tiny paws 😍

Bruton1 · 18/07/2023 01:47

Yes you’ll need a vet which specialises in exotics if you want them to actually have an idea of what they’re dealing with. But any vet would be able to euthanise her, if you think that’s what you’re looking at, and it’s not expensive (my vet charges £30 for consultation and euthanasia). For now make sure she has everything she needs on one level - bed, food and water, and maybe take the ladder out. She’s elderly, especially for a female hamster which don’t tend to live as long as males.

Bruton1 · 18/07/2023 01:51

Also, sorry to bang on about euthanasia as hopefully that’s not the case, but if the vet does suggest that, please ask what the process is. Ultimately they are given a lethal injection into the heart, but some vets will put them in a tank of gas first to send them to sleep before the injection. I would definitely find one that offers that option rather than just the injection by itself, which is pretty painful, albeit for a short time.

FelineGood76 · 18/07/2023 03:42

Vet nurse of 15 years here. I've never worked with a vet who wouldn't gas down a small furry before pts injection, and it's also often done intra abdominal rather than cardiac.
I would be amazed if any vets just went straight for pts on an unsedated furry.

Two years is a good age for a hammy. They often get wet tail when they are old. Is there a fishy or otherwise horrid smell or discharge coming from the back end? Regardless, needs to see a vet although agree you should prepare your daughter for bad news.

sashh · 18/07/2023 05:08

I had mice OP it's ridiculous how attached you get to small furries.

Agree with call a vet and ask, one thing that is easier with mice / hamsters is if they do give you meds they can often be just put in their drinking water.

123becauseicouldntthinkofone · 19/07/2023 13:13

Do you have Animal Trust near you as they are non profit so only charge for prescriptions so a consultation would be free.

gogomoto · 19/07/2023 13:14

I'll be honest, hamsters don't live any longer. I would prepare for the end. Hope your daughter copes ok

Lindy2 · 19/07/2023 13:55

2 years is actually a really good age for a hamster to reach.

She's obviously had a very happy life and has been well looked after.

It's almost certainly old age OP. She's slowing down and getting tired.

sillysmiles · 19/07/2023 14:06

Blossomtoes · 17/07/2023 23:33

She’s old. Apparently anything over 18 months is considered elderly in hamster world. Save your money and start preparing your daughter for the end.

It is still worth getting her check to ensure or mitigate against unnecessary pain.

whatausername · 19/07/2023 14:11

Rainbowbrite82 · 17/07/2023 23:35

Yes, I think she’s probably just slowing down in her twilight years. But I I’d hate to think she was in any pain or discomfort.

I am a bit worried that it might end up costing me an arm and a leg though…😬

Definitely can't have her in pain or discomfort. Call some vets and ask if a) they see small animals and b) the price of a check up. Anything beyond that they will discuss with you before doing (obviously make that clear too at the consultation).

Wotrewelookinat · 19/07/2023 14:40

I’m a vet of 30 years. I’ve never known a GP vet to refuse to see a hamster, you certainly don’t need an exotics vet. A GP vet will be able to tell if there’s a heart condition, neurological condition, abdominal tumour etc etc. You can phone around your local practices to ask for consultation prices to compare before making an appointment. And every vet is obliged to give you an estimate for the costs of treatment before you agree.

ARRGHHHHHxxxxx · 19/07/2023 15:07

How have you gotten on OP?

I second Pets4Vets in Pets at Home. I take my cats there and they are amazing.

Original poster
Rainbowbrite82 · 06/08/2023 02:38

Update - vet saw her. Said she might have a little mild arthritis in her leg but the fact she’s still mobile is a good sign. Just need to keep an eye on her.

OP posts:
JimJonesLivesInMyHead · 06/08/2023 03:33

OP I would just like to say how lovely you sound. You have set a shining example to your DD about the value of all life, however small a package it may come in. Your DD...and hammy..are lucky to have you

Original poster
Rainbowbrite82 · 06/08/2023 10:59

Oh @JimJonesLivesInMyHead thank you so much for that lovely comment - made me well up a bit!!

OP posts:
Gettingbysomehow · 06/08/2023 11:19

Quite honestly I'm very much a lover of hamsters and I've never had one that lived longer than 2 years. They tend to retreat into their beds a lot when they are near the end.
I think you have to ask, is my hamster in pain, does she have any quality of life and enjoyment in her food and contact with humans.
I don't think the vet can do a lot at this stage other than perhaps put her to sleep if she is suffering.
It's so sad when they go, they have such little personalities and love to give.