Hamster dying :(

[cricketmum84]

I think our very loved 2 year old Russian dwarf is dying :(

He has been gradually slowing down and eating less than our younger hammie over the last few months.

Took him or for cuddles today and he is very wobbly, unsteady, falling over and has one eye closed. Where usually he runs all over you he is just laying down on us and sleeping. I think this is the end :(

Booked in to the vets in the morning but I don't imagine if he makes it through the night it will be a positive visit.

Any ideas for anything I can do to make him more comfortable through the night?

Poor wee soul, can you not see a vet tonight, do they do home visits.

I did try for an appt this evening but they had nothing left. Explained the situation to them and they just said to keep him comfortable until the appt in the morning.

He doesn't appear to be in pain, just very tired :(

An emergency vet will cost a fortune but they may be willing to euthanize if you explain the sitiation. Really unkind to just let the poor thing suffer

Omg i just read your last post - no way would we have turned you away. That is outrageous.

Sounds like he's maybe had a stroke. Ours did the same then was euthanized by the vet

I think the kindest thing is to let your pet slip away quietly at home. We've had several gerbils/hamsters etc and when they reach the end, it's usually very peaceful and undramatic. They stop running about, get slow and usually die in their sleep.

Yes I thought stroke too as apart from the reduction in appetite he was running around as normal yesterday.

I agree that it's kinder to let him pass away at home. He is fast asleep in the crook of my arm at the moment, certainly not distressed or suffering and am hoping if he goes he just goes in his sleep. PTS with a tiny animal isn't nice :(

I'd definitely keep him home. I've had a few hamsters and when I took them to the vet they just got really stressed. I realised if it was just their time that being in a familiar, quiet environment was far more gentle for them.

@OytheBumbler yes we had his brother at the vets a year ago for a haematoma. Vet drained it but he was very distressed, he died about 10 mins after we got him home so I'm a little apprehensive about a vets visit.

I trained as a vet nurse a very long time ago and know what's involved with euthanising a hammie and I would rather he went peacefully at home rather than being in more distress - it's hard though cos like I say he doesn't seem in pain at the moment but I'm not sure what I would do if he started to show signs of distress.

I'm sorry. I hope it's peaceful

Little man is still with us this morning

3 of our hamsters died at home. 2 were not dead when we discovered they were dying. Have to say the 3rd one was it for me. No more hamsters.

How is yours doing now OP?

He's walking around his cage, still very wobbly though and his eyes aren't properly open. He was bumping into things so I took his wheel and climbing frame out last night and put extra bedding in the corners where he is tending to sleep. Moved his bed to the bottom level too so he doesn't have to try navigate the ladder!
Must admit seeing him walk around has given me a tiny bit of hope, I've told the kids to expect the worse at the vets though :(

Poor hammie.
Sending love to you and your family.

@Iputthescrewinthetuna thank you ❤️

He's gone. Peacefully in his sleep in his little bed. We are all devastated. Thanks for all the kind words.

Sorry to hear that, but not surprised.
Best way to go.

Sorry to read this. But at least he was at home. Hope you are all ok

RIP little Hammie

I'm sorry. Rest in peace little one.