mmmWOOF!
Hey there all my furry friends!
We understand that this is going to be an extremely unusual blog post, but we ask that you bare with us in considering a big ETHICAL DILEMMA which is facing our household at the moment.
Firstly, let me introduce you to a member of this family whom you haven't met.
This is 'HAMSTER'...
Hamster has been in our household for the past 2 years. He's generally a happy chappy who gets on with the business of fast life, but (obviously) keeps to himself a lot.Hamster, however, has developed a tumour in his abdomen. It is a really BIG tumour - almost as large as his head - but it doesn't seem to bother him, except when he tries to get in and out of his food bowl. We have also noticed that he is a little bit more grumpty of late and nips everything in sight.
The picture below was taken of Hamster from underneath. You can clearly see the tumour in front of his right hind leg...
Well, our dilemma is this...What do we do?
Please consider that we have a motto in this household:
"NO LIVING CREATURE IN THIS HOUSEHOLD WILL BE SUBJECT TO CRUELTY!!"
So what do you, our clever, furry friends advise?
What is the bestest thing to do for our friend,
our HAMSTER?
Tons of licks
MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA
10 comments:
Awwww! Poor, sweet Hamster!!!
We don't really know anything about Hammies - but do you know Bae Bae's blog?
http://fubearbear.blogspot.com/
Her bipeds might have some words of wisdom for you.
Our mom would probably consult a vet, even if over the telephone. She'd want to know how to tell if he's in pain - and if he is, what she could do to treat it. Quality of life is important for all of God's creatures.
Good luck to Hamster; he'll be in our prayers.
Love,
Ammy
It's sad that we all are introduced to Hamster under such circumstances. My hoomans had many Syrian hamsters and a dwarf hamster before they got me and are sad that these cute little creatures don't live any longer.
It's always hard giving advice when it comes to serious matters, but in this case I think it's always safe to say that quality of life is more important than quantity. As long as Hamster keeps to his normal routine and enjoys doing the things hamsters enjoy doing then leave him be. However, if the tumor is causing him pain or has gotten to the point where it inhibits Hamster from playing or being comfortable then it might be time to give him a helping hand.
My mom said to keep a watch for any changes in behavior or personality. Sometimes when a hamster is in distress they don't act like they normally would. If your hamster is friendly he might shy away from contact or if your hamster is usually shy he may not care anymore if you try to handle him. Make sure that Hamster is eating, playing, and sleeping as he normally does. Hamsters are like us dogs and aren't very vocal about being in pain so hoomans have to be very diligent in watching for even the slightest of changes.
Hamster looks to be a Winter White Russian Dwarf or a Campbell's dwarf (my hooman had a Campbell's) and both species usually live 1 1/2 to 3 years. At 2 years old, Hamster has lived a pretty good and long life for his kind. Just make sure that the end of his stay isn't one of pain and distress.
Keep us updated with Hamster and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh I am so sorry to hear about Hamster. So difficult to know what to do. I can't improve on the advice given above by Hero. But Hamster is very lucky to live in such a home, as I know you will do your best for him.
Cheers, Hamish.
PS I asked Gail, as apparently she passed an exam and became a 'doctor' this week, but it seems that she isn't the useful kind of doctor that makes people better...
Aw Max, we're sorry about poor Hamster. It's a tough decision. I think like the others said - talk to a vet and/or try to find out how to tell if he's in pain or not... if he's not in pain and is still enjoying life, we would let him be until he's ready to go.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh Poor sweet Hamster!!!!
It's soooooooooooo sad to know him under that circumstances....
We don't know anything about Hammies....
what do you do???!!!!
It's a very very very hard decision dear friends!!!
the only thing that we can tell you is he is very very lucky to have you as family....
Sure you'll take the right decision for Hamster....
We think that his life would be without pain or distress...quality of his life is the only thing that you must consider!!!!
You'll be in our prayers dear friends!!!!!
If you need to talk with someone we're here for you!!!
Feel free to write us whenever you want!!!!
We love you a lot!!!!
Good luck sweet Hamster!!!WE love you too!!!!
Hello, the Army of Four sent me here.
I would say the best is to consult the vet. The vet can the assess how serious is the situation.
As a hammie is really small, it might be difficult for it to undergo surgery too. Having quality of life is the best.
~ Bae
We have a little bit of experience with a situation like this. Long ago our momma had a guinea pig that got a bump on the side of his face. The little guy was taken to the vet and finally operated on. The bump was gone, but sadly, the little guy expired a couple of months later. Our momma now wonders if these things are just better left along. Maybe a trip to the vet to see what's going on would be in order. This may not be a tumor but just something that needs to be drained. Our momma would have it drained but not an operation. It seemed to distress our little pig very much.
I am so sorry to know about Hamster tumor. I agree with our friends quality time is the most important thing. I hope he is not in pain.
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
A trip to the vet - tout suite - for an assessment and opinions. I'm surprised that you have not been already ??
Meoow...hello...purr
He doesn't look too mouth wat...I mean...healthy...from that last picture...maybe a human vet person could help...but hammy is quite old anyway...I don't think the vet human could help other than the obvious exit route, and look on the bright side, he would not have lived to that age in my neighbourhood. He's done well for a hammy.
Otherwise, maybe leave hammy alone if he's not in pain and if the vet is too expensive.
Meow...purr.
From Madd.
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