Do vets take hamsters seriously?

folamh

My girl is a 2 month old Russian dwarf. Three days ago she ran off the side of a table. When I found her a second later, she was sprawled on her side and she wasn't moving. When I stroked her she sniffed a bit, and I very gently took her up in my hand. No visible injuries. I looked up some care tips and kept her in her cage with food and water and let her get a lot of rest. She's been back to normal for 3 days now, pretty much, running and sniffing everywhere. The only thing is I think she's gained a bit of weight. I thought maybe it's possible that after her fall, she'd stopped running on her wheel at night as she usually does. But then again, maybe weight gain is normal at this stage of her development? She's not "fat", just seems a bit bigger than she was three days ago.

Do you think it's worth bringing her to a vet? I'm not sure what kind of means they have for assessing if there's something wrong with her that I can't do myself.

Rubberchikken

we've never had a hamster, but my son had a guinea pig. our vet took it very seriously when the guinea pig needed to be seen for a virus. any decent vet would treat any animal in a professional way.

hope your little firl is okay (she sounds very cute:)

Whosthis

Does anybody?

Outkast_IRE

Most vets will take it very seriously, however they are limited in what they can do for you because of the small nature of the animal. For example if they need an xray they need to sedate the animal which is always a risk with something so small.

They will probably just do a physical check, by rubbing all the limbs and body to see if the animal is in pain.

I generally find that small animals will go off food and water almost completely if they are hurt or unwell. The change in behavior is certainly a concern, as that is another key factor in knowing a small animal is unwell.

Its a tough one to call OP but i usually er on the side of safety with such matters and go to the vet for an opinion.

I would also say be very careful with hamsters and other small animals on tables/raised surfaces, they can dart quickly if they get a fright and will run straight off of tables, chairs etc. Alot of the time if i was interacting with the animal i would sit on the floor with them on my lap etc, really lessens the chance of a fall injury.

folamh

Rubberchikken wrote: »

we've never had a hamster, but my son had a guinea pig. our vet took it very seriously when the guinea pig needed to be seen for a virus. any decent vet would treat any animal in a professional way.

hope your little firl is okay (she sounds very cute:)

Thanks I guess I have it in my head that people don't take smaller mammals (and especially rodents) as seriously as guinea pigs, rabbits and the like. So maybe I should wait for my girl to gain even more weight! Hah.

MarkR

If you see a small basket over the bin, go elsewhere.



I presume they would all take a customer seriously, but maybe no harm to ring first to see if they have experience in hamsters?

folamh

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

Most vets will take it very seriously, however they are limited in what they can do for you because of the small nature of the animal. For example if they need an xray they need to sedate the animal which is always a risk with something so small.

They will probably just do a physical check, by rubbing all the limbs and body to see if the animal is in pain.

I generally find that small animals will go off food and water almost completely if they are hurt or unwell. The change in behavior is certainly a concern, as that is another key factor in knowing a small animal is unwell.

Its a tough one to call OP but i usually er on the side of safety with such matters and go to the vet for an opinion.

I would also say be very careful with hamsters and other small animals on tables/raised surfaces, they can dart quickly if they get a fright and will run straight off of tables, chairs etc. Alot of the time if i was interacting with the animal i would sit on the floor with them on my lap etc, really lessens the chance of a fall injury.

Yeah, she is tiny so I'd be apprehensive about the kind of tests a vet might do to her. I think I will give her another week, and try to come down to check on her at night and see if she's using her wheel.

When she had her fall, she was tearing up a pile of tissues right beside me and then just darted across the table very suddenly. I often have her on my lap where she likes to burrow in my clothes and such. She wont be allowed on any unfenced high surfaces after this incident.

folamh

MarkR wrote: »

If you see a small basket over the bin, go elsewhere.



I presume they would all take a customer seriously, but maybe no harm to ring first to see if they have experience in hamsters?

Oh god! Lol.

Uno my Uno.

A mate of mine is a vet and he has always said that they will do pretty much any treatment if the owner is prepared to pay for it. If you want your Hamster checked out, they will do it and they should be professional and serious about it.

Zapperzy

Certainly most regular small animal vets would take a hamster seriously if they agree to see it. They would be limited in what they can do, besides a feel of the limbs, some might agree to sedate and x ray but if something were to be found they are limited in treatment options. If your near bray, bairbre o malley is specialised in smallies and exotics and would have more options open to her.

Silverfish

I've brought my mice to the vet for various things ( skin condition, asthma, cough) and they were treated just the same as any other pet I've brought.
Even my goldfish was taken seriously and referred to a specialist for an operation.
So yes, absolutely if you can, bring your hamster to a vet, preferably one that specialises in exotics so they'll have more experience with small animals.

folamh

Silverfish wrote: »

I've brought my mice to the vet for various things ( skin condition, asthma, cough) and they were treated just the same as any other pet I've brought.
Even my goldfish was taken seriously and referred to a specialist for an operation.
So yes, absolutely if you can, bring your hamster to a vet, preferably one that specialises in exotics so they'll have more experience with small animals.

That's very encouraging. Where do you live?

Silverfish

folamh wrote: »

That's very encouraging. Where do you live?

I live in Dublin, I go to Bairbre O'Malley in Bray.

stereo_steve

Silverfish wrote: »

I live in Dublin, I go to Bairbre O'Malley in Bray.

Absolutely. I bring my rabbits here and they are so well looked after. Always unusual pets n the waiting room and they are all so well looked after. Can't recommend her enough

Endthescam

Silverfish wrote: »

.
Even my goldfish was taken seriously and referred to a specialist for an operation.

I like animals but thats a bit much.

Silverfish

Endthescam wrote: »

I like animals but thats a bit much.

Sure, I'll run all my decisions past you in future - or I'll decide for myself how much my pets mean to me

DBB

Endthescam,
Comments about the validity of any species of pet are not appropriate in this forum, which is for people who love/have great interest in their pets, regardless of species.
Do not reply to this post on-thread,
Thanks,
DBB

Endthescam

Ok.
I have a pet cockroach that needs a heart transplant. I can't afford the 5k, what should I do?

Dubl07

Endthescam wrote: »

Ok.
I have a pet cockroach that needs a heart transplant. I can't afford the 5k, what should I do?

Book yourself in for a toe-from-bum extraction after the mods have finished with you. (And me. Sorry, mods.)

DBB

Endthescam,
Please don't post in this thread again.
Dubl07, please don't back-seat moderate.
Do not reply to this post on-thread.
Thanks,
DBB

boomerang

There's a common misconception that goldfish are these little fish that you bring home from the funfair in a plastic bag to put in a little bowl, and that they're stupid. And if they die shortly after, you just flush them down the toilet, no tears shed. Actually, properly cared for, goldfish can live for up to 30 years and reach 18" in size. So yeah, I can totally get why someone would seek treatment for their goldfish. It's just responsible pet ownership.

Goat the dote

My goldfish are alive about 9 months-victory!!
They're smarter than I thought because they come to the front of the bowl when I go over to feed them, looking for their food

Silverfish

Goat the dote wrote: »

My goldfish are alive about 9 months-victory!!
They're smarter than I thought because they come to the front of the bowl when I go over to feed them, looking for their food

I hope they're only in the bowl short term - as mentioned above they can grow up to 18" and do most of their growing in the first year of their life - keeping them in bowls or small tanks ultimately stunts their growth and shortens their lifespan.

http://injaf.org/care-and-information/the-goldfish-section/what-size-tank-for-goldfish/

kylith

Goat the dote wrote: »

My goldfish are alive about 9 months-victory!!
They're smarter than I thought because they come to the front of the bowl when I go over to feed them, looking for their food

Silverfish wrote: »

I hope they're only in the bowl short term - as mentioned above they can grow up to 18" and do most of their growing in the first year of their life - keeping them in bowls or small tanks ultimately stunts their growth and shortens their lifespan.

http://injaf.org/care-and-information/the-goldfish-section/what-size-tank-for-goldfish/

They also have a memory span of about 3 months and can be trained to perform tricks!

My bro is trying to get me to take his daughter's goldfish, including their 40l tank. I've refused because I couldn't be responsible for keeping them like that. If he wants to include a 200l tank I'll take them no problem.

Ashbx

Silverfish wrote: »

I've brought my mice to the vet for various things ( skin condition, asthma, cough) and they were treated just the same as any other pet I've brought.
Even my goldfish was taken seriously and referred to a specialist for an operation.
So yes, absolutely if you can, bring your hamster to a vet, preferably one that specialises in exotics so they'll have more experience with small animals.

Can I ask what operation your goldfish needed? I have never heard of anything like that so would be interested to know.

gctest50

https://www.facebook.com/lortsmithhospital/posts/10152296306636759

The goldfish surgery. How it happened!
Dr Tristan Rich yesterday performed surgery on much-loved goldfish George removing a tumour from his head.
Many of you asked how you actually operate on a fish.
Dr Tristan Rich, head of Lort Smith’s exotic and wildlife vet team, set up three buckets – one with a knock out dose of anaesthetic, one with a maintenance level of anaesthetic, and one with clean water as the recovery unit.
Once George was asleep, Dr Tristan ran a tube from the maintenance bucket which was being oxygenated, into George’s mouth, so that the water with the maintenance dose of anaesthetic washed over his gills.
Dr Tristan worked quickly to remove the large tumour, although the size of it meant that he had to use a gelatine sponge to control the bleeding during surgery. The size of the wound meant it was difficult to seal, so Dr Tristan put in four sutures then sealed the rest of the wound with tissue glue.
Once that had set, George was placed in the recovery unit and given oxygen. He was given injections with long acting pain relief and antibiotics. Soon afterwards he took a couple of breaths on his own and started swimming around.
Working with unusual pets and wildlife means that Dr Tristan has developed a lateral approach to creating effective theatre set ups and we are always amazed at the way he finds a way to help these little critters.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2987154/Probably-not-finding-Nemo-Pet-goldfish-recovering-surgery-remove-cancerous-EYE.html

folamh

Just an update. My hamster ran on her wheel for ages yesterday, she has plenty of energy and she's eating fine. So I wont be taking her to the vet. Thanks to everyone for your input.

Ashbx

Thanks gctest50!! Wow....you learn something new everyday!

Folamh, I had a hamster growing up who went into hibernation 4 times. Hamsters cant handle going into hibernation and usually they ever don't wake up. I sat for hours infront a blow heater trying to get my guy awake....worked 3 times!! But they are definitely little fighters let me tell you! Glad your girl is ok.

gctest50

that happens little dormice afaik - if they wake up too often from hibernation they won't have enough energy left

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlS3w1GGE8g

Silverfish

Ashbx wrote: »

Can I ask what operation your goldfish needed? I have never heard of anything like that so would be interested to know.

He had a tumour growing where his fin joined his body, but it was really big and affecting his swimming. As I'd heard that this type of fish could develop these tumours, in the interests of science (and to help little Genghis) I found a specialist fish vet to remove it.
Unfortunately it did grow back, and we suspected there might have been internal growths as well, so the fish didn't make it in the long run, but the operation itself went really well.

I wrote about it here

folamh wrote: »

Just an update. My hamster ran on her wheel for ages yesterday, she has plenty of energy and she's eating fine. So I wont be taking her to the vet. Thanks to everyone for your input.

This is great news, she might have just been stunned for a bit.

folamh

If anything, she's better than ever! She gets plenty of free-roaming time, a spacious cage with two types of bedding for burrowing, cleaned and changed once a week, specialized and varied diet but not too much. And idk she just *seems* very happy.

On a related note, I came across this video yesterday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7__9uDaELY

Unnecessary and inhumane, no? I've never heard of anyone doing this.