Hello, our hamster is about 19 months old and clearly reaching end of life. A couple of months ago she started losing hair in small patches. As she was only 18 months old, I took her to the vet and we tried a mite treatment. It hasn't made any difference and the vet said the next step was to scan for polycystic ovaries but I declined as I felt it was too invasive, traumatic and expensive for an 18 month old hamster. She has been chipper and playful and friendly as normal since.
Anyway, the last 36 hours she has just been curled up on top of her bedding (not burrowed) and I can see her breatjing/heartbeat. Her eyes are nearly completely closed. She only.moves if disturbed and she only potters a few paces then returns to her spot she seems to be staying in. She doesn't seem able to use the tube which takes her to her food and water so I have been offering her water from a syringe every couple of hours and giving her her favourite bits from her hamster mix. She is sometimes enjoying a bit of water.
I don't know whether to take her to be put to sleep or not. I think the trip to the vets would be distressing for her especially as she isn't displaying signs of distress at home in her cage; just a very clear shutting down of her body. On the other hand, how much of a stoic is she and is she masking her pain? If I keep her at home am I being cruel and prolonging her suffering.
I know she is only a hamster but she has the most wonderful personality and has been such a special little addition to our family. I'd hoped she may make 2 years in age but it doesn't look like it was meant to be. She belongs to my autistic son and she gave us something to bond over together when he was having a very difficult time. I just want to make the right decision at the end of her life and do right by her.