I took Buffy-the-cat-slayer, our Syrian hamster to the vets today to have her nails done (trimmed not painted). She is well over 3 now and is doing ok for an old lady, but has never enjoyed being held so she has excercise in her ball and has a large cage. Obviously I couldn't do her nails myself as I don't like being bitten(weird eh!). The vet took her into another room to do the nails and when she brought her back she said that they had noticed that she had (sorry if your eating), some discharge from her lady bits. The options were a)book her in for a hysterectomy. b)try to treat it with antibiotics. I chose antibiotics. She is totally worn out now from having her nails done and I think an operation would probably kill her. I have recently moved Oliver (male hamster guest) nearer to her cage and I was wondering if she could have a hormone rush due to this as she seems fine in herself. Would anyone out there have chosen the operation route and can anyone throw any light on what her condition could be.Sorry for the epic post.

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To be really honest i think that your hammie would be a bit old for a hysterectomy i dont think id go down that route if she is fine in every other way. If she was younger than maybe it would be a bit different or if she would suffer not having it done.

Personally, I would never subject a hammie to an operation. They are tiny little creatures and I would try everything I could!! I can't understand how a little discharge could point a vet directly to a hysterectomy

I hope she gets well soon!!

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Felix
Wish You Were Here

this could sign cervical cancer, you only have a sa short time left with her any way so, probs not a hystorectomy.

but the vet offered you it , so s/he must think its okay...

Seeya sataday!!!

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I have had several hamsters including dwarfs who have been under the knife with no problems. Sometimes, sntibiotics just won't work.
However in this case, i wouldn't have gone for the hysterectomy either, she is an old hammie, so putting through that kinda stress could be harmful.

I doubt it would have been a hormonal rush either, a hamster at that age would have lets say....been through the menopause. It could just be a simple infection which the antibiotics will clear up. Good luck

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