I think I'm going to lose Ethel.

[pinky]

Hi all,

To refresh memories: my little girl presented with vaginal bleeding and dark urine, and a round of Baytril and Metacam improved things, but when I stopped it she started getting red below again, and so she was put back on the meds and was doing fine. (Note that she would not be a candidate for surgery because of her age (at least 15 months) and because she isn't completely healthy to begin with (big fluid pouch in upper chest area).) But last night Ethel seemed a little off, emerging from her igloo with closed eyes and lacking in energy a bit. This morning her hard food was barely touched, and I had to literally go into her igloo to get her out to give her her Baytril. She didn't seem to have her usual feistiness either. Tonight the food is still there, she came out slowly with eyes closed, and I petted her for 5 minutes as she lay without squirming in my hand. There is blood at her genital opening, this despite the meds. It's like Jayde all over again. I put her in her bin and she headed right for cover--not normal for her at all.

Well, there may not be an issue of which of the hamsters to bring to my dad's for my nephew to see--by the end of the week I may only have one.

Not much I can do, I don't think. I'm going to see what food she'll take. I have some egg scrambled for Frasier, baby food, etc.

Let me stop with this--getting too sad too quick.

[Die Fledermaus]

She is blessed to have you.

I am very sorry. Focus on the joy you both have had, realizing like furry flowers they are ephemeral. And just because they are does not mean we will stop helping them when needed.

[lyn]

Robin, I'm very sorry to hear that baby Ethel is sick again. Give her lots of love. And lots of love to you from me. You are a wonderful mother to her. I'm here for you and so is everyone else.

[Hamsters82]

Aw, I hope Ethel is feeling better and I'll pray for her. Can you call the vet tomorrow and ask him/her what to do? I hope you're doing okay. *hugs*

[Dezzi]

Oh no hun! *hugs* Sending prayers and good thoughts your way!

[pinky]

Quick update: things seemed to go downhill, with her not coming out of the igloo, not eating, not urinating, and still bleeding. I decided that maybe it was her time and I made the vet appointment for this morning. But last night she rallied big time. We had the loveliest playtime, with her running up to my shoulder and into my hair. She peed a miniscule amount--several drops--and the poops were moist but soooo tiny. (I had been seeing her go into the potty as if to go, pause, but then produce nothing.) She ate a little more for me: seeds, broccoli, yogurt, cheese (I'm throwing everything at her to get her to eat). And so when I brought her to the vet I was terribly on the fence, and after a heartfelt conversation with him I took her home. It's too soon. I have to hydrate her since it appears that she's not drinking much if at all and the food she's eating isn't all that moist or all that much.

Anyway, we'll see what happens. . . . I have to go away for the day tomorrow--was going to stay over but she needs my attention.

Thanks to all for your concern and good wishes.

[Die Fledermaus]

Every day is precious!

You are so lucky to have such a vet. The ones I know could not even sex an adult Syrian.

Very best wishes.

[Dezzi]

OMG how can one not sex an adult Syrian? O.o

Glad to hear Ethel is still pulling through. We're all rooting for her.

[Die Fledermaus]

The vet, who claimed to know hamsters, asked me if I am "sure" she is a female. At least she cared and tried. qamd I got my Baytril for Princess. An old story from March 2003!

[lyn]

Ethel Is very lucky to have you as her mommy. Hold you head high cause you are doing everything possible to make your little girl better. Love and prayers to the both of you. Lyn*hugs*

[pinky]

Thanks, all. Ethel appreciates her fan club!

Quick update: she looked really dehydrated yesterday morning (sunken eyes, scruff not snapping back quickly) but I hydrated her then and when I got home late last night. This morning I caught her taking some brief drinks from the bottle! Yay! Eyes and skin tone were much better too. And she is eating a reasonable amount--seeds, yogurt, pasta, kale, cheese, and a little oatmeal and baby food. She is also again coming out for me when I talk to her. I can tell she's peeing but not much from what residue there is in the potty.

Things are much better than what they were Thursday morning. Good thing that the academic break is almost here--it will be easier to care for her when I'm not on such a tight schedule. However much time she has, it's more than I thought I'd have. . .

[Dezzi]

Glad to hear she's still doing okay.

[Die Fledermaus]

I guess things are still OK.

[pinky]

She's holding her own in terms of eating and activity/behavior, but her abdomen seems to be swelling, consistent with the observation that while stuff is going in, not much is coming out. Interestingly, her body has utilized the fluid in the pouch in her chest--it's gone.

I am giving her fluids by syringe twice a day.

If things go south I want it to happen after Tuesday, when her vet will be back in the office.

[Die Fledermaus]

Well, I am sorry she passed, but it was in the best possible of circumstances.

I have had no deaths here since early July and the heat. With one exception--little gary, a feral mouse I was keeping in a Coast cage; he had been there for a few years after being oiled off a glue board. He seemed a little "off" a few days ago. Today he was gone. He had a good life.