Hypothermia? - Syrian hamster

Re: Hypothermia? - Syrian hamster

Katie Mansfield — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:59:42 GMT

Thanks Gillian. We were wondering if perhaps Rhino had been ill or had some kind of shock rather than hibernating. I know he hadn't been squeezed by accident tho cos we couldn't pick him up. In fact earlier that day I'd been to buy some thick gloves so we could try to handle him without being bitten (I still bare the scar from the first attempt!!). For my son I think that was the worst bit; he keeps saying he never got to know Rhino before he passed.

The new hamster, Roxy, is helping him get over it and she is very, very sweet.

K x

Re: Hypothermia? - Syrian hamster

Gillian Mostyn — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:56:49 GMT

TBH I very much doubt that it was simple hibernation. If it had been your supportive care would have been sufficient and your hamster would have been fine.

It is far more likely that hammy had some kind of illness which caused the collapse and hypothermia - they are masters at disguising illness (afterall, they are usually sleepy when we see them anyway) and unfortunately they are often too far gone before any illness becomes apparent. (It is always worth double checking that the little one hasn't been dropped or squeezed by children - it is never intentional but happens quite commonly and a small amount of squeezing can cause a lot of damage.)

It is very unlikely that a hamster would have any problems at the temps you mention, especially if you have provided a nice cosy sleeping area. Enjoy your new little addition and, whatever you do, don't feel guilty about the last little chap!

Re: Hypothermia? - Syrian hamster

Katie Mansfield — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:53:10 GMT

That's all well and good, but at that time of night my vet's covered by the emergency service, which is more than half an hour's drive from here. The poor hamster had died by then. If he had been stable enough to transport than obviously I would have done so, but he wasn't.

And my question was actually about preventing it happening to the new hamster; I was not asking to feel guilty that I didn't transport the deceased to a place of veterinary care.

Re: Hypothermia? - Syrian hamster

Maryjane Williams — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:10:15 GMT

The goal in the treatment and handling of hypothermic animals is to keep the animal alive by warming and then transporting the animal to a site where the animal can get complete veterinary care. For treating the hypothermic animal appropriately the vet should know that the severity of hypothermia of animal. The treatment varies for mild, moderate and severe hypothermia. This could be difficult as animals could not speak about their problems. After determining this, the re-warming technique should be used for the treatment. The site http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ansci/beef/coping/frostbit.htm has important information about the treatment of hypothermic animals.

Re: Hypothermia? - Syrian hamster

Katie Mansfield — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 17:58:44 GMT

Thanks Jacquelyn.

K x

Re: Hypothermia? - Syrian hamster

Jacquelyn Smith — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:05:18 GMT

I used to have a hamster that would try to hibernate regularly, even in the middle of summer. Would have to warm her up and stimulate her the same way you would puppies and kittens born by C- section. Then one time she just didn't come round. Its a natural instinct for hamsters. Don't beat yourself up about it, they turn very fast from running miles everynight to sleeping to deep. You did everything you could. I am sure your new critter will have a wonderful life with you. X

Re: Hypothermia? - Syrian hamster

Katie Mansfield — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:34:04 GMT

Bought new hamster yesterday afternoon from PAH. Assistant told me under no circumstances use a heated pad under the cage, although several websites I looked at said it was a good idea.

PAH man said the heat pad could cause damage to the plastic of the Rotastak and prob would make cage too hot therefore causing problems for the hamster. He also said the early death of the previous hamster was sadly just one of those things. I feel a bit better now. OH has blocked up the air vent in the boys' room and we are leaving the heating on low all day, just in case.

Had a little funeral for "Rhino" and my daughter made a lovely gravestone. Son feeling bit happier now too, as he was blaming himself, bless him.

K x