I had considered putting this thread directly in the memorial area of this forum, but I need to express what happened and how I feel about it. And, while I will start a memorial thread for Elijah, I think this is a better place to write about what happened.
Last night, as I was sitting in my bedroom writing, I heard an odd noise. It sounded like a reverse sneeze coming from one of the dogs, but it was different -- more wet with a sound of distress. And, being that the dogs were downstairs yet and the sound came from someplace closer, I got up to investigate. I checked in on the guinea pigs and they were okay. And, then, I checked in on the hamsters and, as I opened the door, heard the sound again. I ran into the room and immediately saw that my Syrian hamster, Eli, was laying on the floor of his cage...on his back. His mouth was opened and he had blood on his chest (which appeared to have come from his mouth). I ran down and called the emergency vet who said that he probably wouldn't survive the ride there. They couldn't offer an explanation of what was happening (and, of course, they couldn't because they had not seen him), but they did say that, by what I shared, he appeared to be passing away. And, not peacefully. That's the part that gets me.
I went back upstairs only to hear Eli making that horrific sound again. And, then, he stopped. He stopped moving, he stopped breathing...everything was quiet. I waited a couple of minutes and then gently picked him up. I knew then that he was gone. Not knowing what had happened, I looked him over and saw no visible signs of illness or injury. As a Syrian hamster, he lived in a large cage alone and so I know there wouldn't be injuries resulting from a fight. But, I saw nothing abnormal. He was about a year old, maybe a bit more, and, thus, was elderly. He had slowed down a bit, but would still run on his wheel and climb around his cage. And, even though he didn't eat and drink as much as he used to, he was still taking in food and fluids. There was no sign of illness beforehand, but, obviously, things were not as okay as I thought they were. After being certain that he had passed, I wrapped him in a washcloth and put him in a small, wooden box. He is currently in the freezer (as I was debating whether or not to have a necropsy done), but we will be burying him this evening. I'm upset, but I know he is no longer in pain. Watching him pass was difficult and so knowing that he is gone now is a relief. Of course, it's sad as well, but...well, I think you all understand.
I have decided against having a necropsy done. My suspicion is that he died of a blood clot. They are common in elderly hamsters. It was either that or cancer. But, regardless of how he died, I know he lived a happy life. And, that's what is most important to me. My other hamsters seem healthy and happy, but I will be watching them closely to ensure that there wasn't something more sinister at play. For now, though, I believe it was an isolated incident. He did not have an easy start to life, but I know that I did right by him. And, that gives me comfort during this time. I have decided that, once my hamsters have all passed, I will not be adopting others. I may foster, but adopting and having them in my life is incredibly difficult. They have such short lifespans and, after watching Elijah pass last night, I don't know if I could go through something that terrible again. I have three remaining hamsters -- another Syrian named Sampson who is about 9-10 months old and two Roborovski hamsters named Brady and Brewster who are approximately the same age. Sampson has, hopefully, another year or more left and the little guys can live to be up to four years old. I love them all, but after losing Eli, I'm afraid to lose the others.
I have never had a hamster pass in such a traumatic way. I know he will play happilow over at the rainbow bridge, but it's difficult nonetheless. I adored him -- he was such a sweet and gentle boy. And, that being said, I guess all that's left to say is: Rest in peace, Eli.
Elijah
Satin Black-eyed Cream Syrian Hamster
2009-2010
Last night, as I was sitting in my bedroom writing, I heard an odd noise. It sounded like a reverse sneeze coming from one of the dogs, but it was different -- more wet with a sound of distress. And, being that the dogs were downstairs yet and the sound came from someplace closer, I got up to investigate. I checked in on the guinea pigs and they were okay. And, then, I checked in on the hamsters and, as I opened the door, heard the sound again. I ran into the room and immediately saw that my Syrian hamster, Eli, was laying on the floor of his cage...on his back. His mouth was opened and he had blood on his chest (which appeared to have come from his mouth). I ran down and called the emergency vet who said that he probably wouldn't survive the ride there. They couldn't offer an explanation of what was happening (and, of course, they couldn't because they had not seen him), but they did say that, by what I shared, he appeared to be passing away. And, not peacefully. That's the part that gets me.
I went back upstairs only to hear Eli making that horrific sound again. And, then, he stopped. He stopped moving, he stopped breathing...everything was quiet. I waited a couple of minutes and then gently picked him up. I knew then that he was gone. Not knowing what had happened, I looked him over and saw no visible signs of illness or injury. As a Syrian hamster, he lived in a large cage alone and so I know there wouldn't be injuries resulting from a fight. But, I saw nothing abnormal. He was about a year old, maybe a bit more, and, thus, was elderly. He had slowed down a bit, but would still run on his wheel and climb around his cage. And, even though he didn't eat and drink as much as he used to, he was still taking in food and fluids. There was no sign of illness beforehand, but, obviously, things were not as okay as I thought they were. After being certain that he had passed, I wrapped him in a washcloth and put him in a small, wooden box. He is currently in the freezer (as I was debating whether or not to have a necropsy done), but we will be burying him this evening. I'm upset, but I know he is no longer in pain. Watching him pass was difficult and so knowing that he is gone now is a relief. Of course, it's sad as well, but...well, I think you all understand.
I have decided against having a necropsy done. My suspicion is that he died of a blood clot. They are common in elderly hamsters. It was either that or cancer. But, regardless of how he died, I know he lived a happy life. And, that's what is most important to me. My other hamsters seem healthy and happy, but I will be watching them closely to ensure that there wasn't something more sinister at play. For now, though, I believe it was an isolated incident. He did not have an easy start to life, but I know that I did right by him. And, that gives me comfort during this time. I have decided that, once my hamsters have all passed, I will not be adopting others. I may foster, but adopting and having them in my life is incredibly difficult. They have such short lifespans and, after watching Elijah pass last night, I don't know if I could go through something that terrible again. I have three remaining hamsters -- another Syrian named Sampson who is about 9-10 months old and two Roborovski hamsters named Brady and Brewster who are approximately the same age. Sampson has, hopefully, another year or more left and the little guys can live to be up to four years old. I love them all, but after losing Eli, I'm afraid to lose the others.
I have never had a hamster pass in such a traumatic way. I know he will play happilow over at the rainbow bridge, but it's difficult nonetheless. I adored him -- he was such a sweet and gentle boy. And, that being said, I guess all that's left to say is: Rest in peace, Eli.
Elijah
Satin Black-eyed Cream Syrian Hamster
2009-2010
