Sick Hamster - Please Help!

[earthangel]

Hi everyone. My first hamster, Charlotte is just over 5 months old. She's had a respiratory infection for 3 weeks now, and is on her 2nd course of antibiotics. It's affected her breathing and lungs, plus one sticky eye; but she's active again, eating and drinking normally. Still weak and needing more sleep, so the vet said I should think about having her put to sleep permanently. I think Charlotte is a fighter so I don't know what to do for the best. For all those more experienced hamster owners, please help. I know that this year has been full of different viruses which have affected everyone, and it has taken over a month for most people to get over their colds/flu. Charlotte has a very clean cage with daily fresh food and water. Don't know how she got sick. It seems so short a life to suddenly have to say goodbye; maybe other owners know better.

[mulder]

well if you feel the meds are helping, then let her hang on. but if she takes a tun for the worse then you may need to reconsider

[laydeerodentzz]

I agree, so long as she keeps eating, drinking and interacting normally she should be fine fo now. I always say that if your animals are trying to hang on and stay with you than never give up!! Good luck!

[melrohner]

Oops, I just noticed your post...did you know its duplicated in someone's intro? Sorry for the useless message I sent, please just ignore it.

[earthangel]

Hi

Thanks for answering my post. Charlotte is getting weak again, so I will have to take her to the vet for a "P.T.S.". I don't want her to suffer anymore. She is trying so hard, bless her, but she doesn't have the strength. It is so sad - we've done everything we could, read every website we could find, and books. The vet said, that once an infection reaches the lungs, there is nothing much that can be done.

It is good to read the other hamster stories here, happy or sad, and to hear of others experiences.

Good night for now!

[mulder]

awww hun *hugs* i give you my heartfelt good wishes for your toughness

[petluvr01]

aww thats so sad. She was so young. I am sure that she hung in as long as possible and that it would probably be the best thing to put her down if she is not doing well. Good luck, I'm sure she lived a good life with you.

[earthangel]

Charlotte got really weak last night and was impacting some food in her cheeks. I tried to get her to push it out but she wouldn't. She struggled to reach her water bottle - after a few sips she stumbled and it was an effort trying to roll over onto her feet properly. I had to syringe feed her some liquids; I think the Baytril was making her more thirsty.

This morning Charlotte was looking so feeble, yet she carried on busying herself around her nest as usual. She was so brave trying to do things for herself.

I called the vet for an urgent appointment and took her in this afternoon. The best decision was to put her to sleep; she'd lost so much weight the last few days, I couldn't stand to see her suffer any more.

She was so loving to the very end and loved snuggling up against my face. I will always remember her as my first hamster - she'll always be in our hearts.

R.I.P. Charlotte, and God Bless. xx

[mulder]

awww i'm sorry she wasn't well, but know she's in a healthy place now, good ole' hammy heaven *hugs*

[laydeerodentzz]

I'm so sorry hun!

[melrohner]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss! You gave her a happy home and a fighting chance, no hamster could ask for more. Take care!