6 replies to this topic

[Nanak]

Have I asked for help on this hamster before? No - This is the first time I am asking for help on this hamster.

 

Here is information about my hamster -
Age: Approximately 29 months old
Gender: Male
Species: Syrian
   
These are the details of my hamster's ailment -
When did it start: In mid-July 2022

 

Description of Ailment:

My syrian hamster, Mooshmoosh, has symptoms of congestive heart failure although his doctor (specialized in exotic animals) cannot be certain about it, because Mooshmoosh is extremely anxious and doesn't let her do a proper check-up.

 

We started with the lowest possible dose of furosemide on August 02, and increased it gradually but the edema is not going away. Right now, we are close to the maximum possible dose for his weight. His doctor also prescribed Enalapril and Pimobendan, which he is taking for the past 8 days. In terms of activity, he became just a little active for a couple of days but his activity level has decreased again. He remains in his nest almost the whole time and breathes very heavily.

 

His doctor mentioned that we could try anesthesia to do a more thorough check-up and an x-ray but considering his health state and his old age (2 years and 5 months), I'm not sure how that could be helpful. Even if he survives the anesthesia, what else is left to do if he keeps swelling even on a high dose of diuretics? :(

 

Has anybody else had an unsuccessful story with furosemide? I wonder if there is anything that I could try before opting for euthanasia. :(

 

Any specific physical changes: Edema in the belly, front and back limbs, fast and heavy breathing, lack of activity. He still has a good appetite.

Edited by Nanak, 15 August 2022 - 11:09 PM.

[missPixy]

this is very tricky because it seems we can't do proper diagnostics. yes, a specific type of congestive heart failure will display those symptoms. but things like liver disease, kidney disease and cancers can cause these symptoms too~~ especially the swelling in the lower limbs. 

 

if Mooshmoosh is breathing heavily, anesthesia is likely not recommended. Would he sit a bit more calmly for the vet if you held him while the vet gently palpated his body to check for any swellings that might indicate something other than heart failure? 

 

I've read of situations where congestive heart failure was so advanced that the medications didn't really come in time to make a difference. they seem to be most effective when the first early symptoms appear. but there's a chance he may not have a heart condition but instead maybe cancer or liver/kidney disease. 

 

it's true that even with a different diagnosis, his current condition of poor respiratory function makes anesthesia inadvisable. 

[Nanak]

Thanks for your response missPixy. Mooshmoosh's situation kept getting worse hour by hour. He was very ill yesterday and we decided that it's best to put an end to his suffering. I don't think anything could have helped him at that point.  

[missPixy]

I'm so sorry to hear this. At 29 months old though he did live a very long life in hamster years. He was obviously very cared for and loved. 

 

It may be this wasn't congestive heart failure at all, since there seemed to be absolutely no improvement when you started the medications apart from a little bit more activity for a couple of days. 

 

He's not suffering anymore, and his little spirit is free to move on to his next adventure         

[Kikya]

God bless, little Mooshmoosh. Rest in peace, dear. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Nanak]

I'm so sorry to hear this. At 29 months old though he did live a very long life in hamster years. He was obviously very cared for and loved. 

 

It may be this wasn't congestive heart failure at all, since there seemed to be absolutely no improvement when you started the medications apart from a little bit more activity for a couple of days. 

 

He's not suffering anymore, and his little spirit is free to move on to his next adventure         

Thanks, missPixy. I agree also that it could have been something else, multiple problems at the same time, or amyloidosis that affected every organ. It's also possible that I detected the problem a little too late.  I wished I could have helped him more. Poor Mooshmoosh is not suffering anymore. He will always be loved.  

[Nanak]

God bless, little Mooshmoosh. Rest in peace, dear. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thanks Kikya. It is very difficult but at least my little baby is not suffering anymore.