Did I do the right thing for my hamster?

feelinggood_2

Sorry to post such a sad thread.

My hamster died last night, and I want to know that I did the right thing for him.

He was almost 2 and a half, and he had been showing signs of old age for over a year (loosing fur, generally slowing down).

ALmost 2 weeks ago, he deteriorated rapidly. He was falling over, but was still eating and drinking.

Three days ago he started to get a bit breathless, and didn't really move from his bed. He didn't look uncomfortable, just tired. He was a very vocal hamster, who'd squeak and make other noises, so I think he would have told me if he was in pain.

I phoned the vet, who said the only thing they could do was give him antibiotics to help with his upset stomach, but would mean a trip there, and the vet would have to examine him.

I decided not to take him to the vet, but keep him at home and make him comfortable.

Maybe I'm just grieving, but I feel like I should have done more. Did I do the right thing? Should I have done anything?

LillyJ

feelinggood wrote: »

Sorry to post such a sad thread.

My hamster died last night, and I want to know that I did the right thing for him.

He was almost 2 and a half, and he had been showing signs of old age for over a year (loosing fur, generally slowing down).

ALmost 2 weeks ago, he deteriorated rapidly. He was falling over, but was still eating and drinking.

Three days ago he started to get a bit breathless, and didn't really move from his bed. He didn't look uncomfortable, just tired. He was a very vocal hamster, who'd squeak and make other noises, so I think he would have told me if he was in pain.

I phoned the vet, who said the only thing they could do was give him antibiotics to help with his upset stomach, but would mean a trip there, and the vet would have to examine him.

I decided not to take him to the vet, but keep him at home and make him comfortable.

Maybe I'm just grieving, but I feel like I should have done more. Did I do the right thing? Should I have done anything?

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds to me like the antibiotics would have just delayed the inevitable, and that moving him and having him seen by the vet would have made things less comfortable for him. You are bound to be upset but don't blame yourslef you sound like a very caring owner and I am sure you made his last moments as comfortable as possible.

Hope you start feeling better soon but it will take some time. The loss of a pet is horrible and people who don't have pets don't understand this.

MoneySavingStudent_2

Hello,
I agree with LillyJ. Being at home is alot better way to go. Im sure he was alot happier just falling asleep. Plus he didnt sound like he was up to travelling to the vet, it may have been stressful for him.

We went through the same thing when i was 15yrs old but with a budgie. Our budgie (called dickie bird!) was 13years old! Yes 13! And i was 15years old!!! lol Shows how long we had him, but unfortunatly he kept loosing control of one side (We think it was a stroke)

It happened a couple of times and we thought oh no this is it, but he bounced back and was sat right back on the perch again. One evening, everyone had popped out, and i was by myself doing some hwk. And i noticed he wasnt on his perch. So i got worried when i saw him just laying on the floor, he could move but not very much. I didnt no what to do, so i ran upstairs and got a cotton t-shirt and gentally lifted him up and put him on the t-shirt at the bottom of his cage. He slow walked to the side and cuddled up to the t-shirt then laid down. So i started to stroke his head, and then he slowly just stopped breathing after afew minutes.

I was upset for afew minutes then i thought about it. He wouldnt have wanted to go to the vet, he wouldnt have been alone. So i think i did the right thing for him. And he just slowly fell asleep and died. It was the best way for him to go, and i think you did the best for your hamster when he needed you. He'll be very happy you made the right desision.

feather_2

Yes, I'm sure you did absolutely the right thing, making sure your pet had a peaceful death in a familiar environment with his favourite person.

I'm really sorry that your hamster died. Lillly J is right when she says that those who have never loved a pet find it hard to understand the grief that follows their loss. Take comfort in this: http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

lv1109

I'm really sorry for your loss feelinggood. I used to have a Syrian hamster called Marmalade and he lived for about 2 and a half years too. He was a lovely docile boy, unlike some of the little demons you get! I am certain you did the right thing for him. He would have been happiest at home rather than all the kerfuffle of taking him to the vets. Big (((((hugs))))) for you.

lv xx

katherinef1974

Yes you did the right thing - a trip to a vet would only have deeply traumatised a sick animal the last thing you want to happen. Better he "goes" at home in his own familiar surroundings.

stokechick16

Im sorry about the loss of your beloved pet. Do not feel guilty. If you were slowly dying would you rather go hospital and have antibiotics and deterate more (cant spell it sorry) or die peacefully at home, without the stress. I know its not exactly the same thing. But what i am trying to say is, you did the right thing.

katylittlelady

I'm glad I came and looked on the pets forum as my rabbit passed away this morning and like yourself I'm having similar thoughts. I think he must have had a stroke as couldn't stand up when I went to feed him this morning, brought him into the house and was having the dilemma of the vet or not but then he passed away shortly afterwards! If it hadn't happened quickly I would have been in a real dilemma about taking him to the vets as just the journey would have been too much! I'm sure the same can be said for your hamster!

witchypoo

I agree, and have a story about a hamster I had that died when I was 12. It was a hot summer and despite being kept clean she suffered fly strike. My parents wouldn't let me keep her cage in the house you see, but in the storage room on the side of the house which had a stable door and was where we kept the freezer and any spare cans etc of dog food. We took her to the vet who gave her some kind of injection, but she died by evening, and I didn't forgive the vet for a long time!
An elderly hammy who is already finding movement a struggle would most certainly have found the whole experience really stressful, so I believe you did the right thing. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I hope you feel better soon ((hug)).

Stephb1986_2

Sorry to hear about your hamster im sure you did the right thing my hamster had cancer and was blind i hand fed him towards the end of his life he was that bad i was so upset when he had died

Steph xx

Lady_Fluff

I'm sure you did the right thing. My little Pumpkin-baby is 20 months old now and is slowing down a lot. When her time comes, I'd hope she just goes in her sleep. Sleep tight little hammy and play nicely over the Rainbow Bridge...