My eight month old syrian hamster has a massive infection on his neck that spreads under his left arm like a tumor. We have a few options, and I don't know what to do.
1). We could give him antibiotics, but with the size and location, they wouldn't do much.
2). We could do surgery to remove the infection, but there is only a 50% survival rate.
I don't know what to do. He isn't very comfortable, so I have to do something.
2007-03-13 14:32:54 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Has the mass been diagnosed by a vet as either an infection or a tumor yet? If not get the hamster to the vet and find out, if it's a tumor there's nothing you can really do for him. You could try the surgery, but small animals don't do well with anesthesia and usually don't make it. I would opt to put him down if he's in discomfort and it can't be operated on. If it's an infection then try the antibiotics, it may take two rounds to work. Maybe they could drain the infecton plus try the antibiotics. However, if he's not eating or drinking and begins to lose weight, this is never good and you should put him down.
Last week I put mine one down, his name was Jet, due to an infection on the side of the neck, the second round was shrinking the infection, but he was losing weight rapidly and I had to hand feed him food and syringe give water.. The night he pushed the syringe away, I knew it was time. I also noticed his lower teeth were very loose and he no longer could bite his food. I put him down one week ago today. Rest in peace Jet.
I tried everything to save my hamster and you should try the same, maybe yours can get better, if he doesn't then you know you gave him your all.
Here's a story with hope for you, even though it's on a cat.
Several years ago my one cat that is indoor only and was fully declawed by a previous owner, got out and was bit by a large dog. She hid for 10 days and we thought we lost her. Once she was found, she was rushed to the vet and was given emergency surgery. The vet took me into the OR and showed me her infection, it covered over 60% of her back and was deep into her muscles. 10 more days at vets with drains and antibiotics, she finally came home with another round of antibiotics for safety.
2007-03-13 14:49:23 · answer #1 · answered by wolfinator25840 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hamsters dont do well with infections and waiting and wondering is only letting him suffer and get sicker. I would do what is most quick for recovery. I guess that is a choice you and a vet need to make. If its that extensive already I wouldnt hold out much hope for the little guy.
2007-03-13 21:39:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do the surgery, if the meds won't do much, there's no point in making him suffer. If surgery doesn't work, then that's God's plan. Sorry, hope all goes well!
2007-03-13 21:37:38 · answer #3 · answered by Lady_Eagle410 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would take the 50% survival rate. That is the only thing I can recommend. Sorry.
2007-03-13 21:39:11 · answer #4 · answered by clytisciasha 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i suggest srgery. since u said that the medicine wouldnt do much. i hope the hamster gets better and does good.
2007-03-13 22:40:59 · answer #5 · answered by Lunesta c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try the antibotics first hopefully this will help and you wont have to worry about it.good luck
2007-03-13 21:41:37 · answer #6 · answered by raindovewmn41 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do the surgery and then pray!!
2007-03-13 22:16:11 · answer #7 · answered by little_miss_innocent_101 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dude..dude....if the hamster..was made of gold.. then he wouldn't even get infections
2007-03-13 21:41:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋