Kulfi.

[Maz]

I'm so sorry. I would phone the exotic vet I linked yourself and just make an appointment. Is it far for you to go?

 

[Tulsi]

It's not so far. Hopefully I can get a lift as the bus takes ages.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Oh, this is so hard and painful That was an awful vet, I'm sorry you and little Kulfi went through that. Such sad news. Yes, the exotic vet is a good idea. Hoping that something can be found to help Kulfi It is so hard to see them suffer.

 

[Socks' Mum]

I remember Socks started having hair loss, but it hasn't progressed further than some hair thinning fortunately. But I had a strong sense of loss for the beautiful glossy boy he was when he first came to live with me. His fur has improved thankfully. I hope the exotic vet can do a skin sample and is used to handling hamsters. I know Maz took a container for her small Robo's exam and the vet held the hamster over it for safety. It had soft fleece things in it. Perhaps some Metacam might help if Kulfi is in pain.

 

[Maz]

It depends what the diagnosis is Socks Mum. If it's Cushings then metacam as contraindicated as it can make it much worse. Agree I hope the vet does a skin scraping (sometimes they use sticky tape) and looks under the microscope - in case it's mites. That could be a possibility especially with the sores, if he's been scratching. I think they need to try and rule a few things out, but Cushings is very hard to diagnose without a blood test - and usually only suspected if everything else is ruled out. There are so few vets who can do the blood test - it means taking a tiny amount from a blood vessel in the hamster's ear - their blood vessels are so tiny. Maybe this exotic vet will be able to - mine can't.

 

[Tulsi]

He isn't scratching at all so I don't think it can be mites. I will ring the Bristol vet tomorrow and see where they are exactly and then organise a lift to them. It is so distressing seeing Kulfi looking so thin and hunched up. The hair loss doesn't look great either but I wouldn't mind so much if only he didn't look so unhappy.

 

[Maz]

I see what you mean - if he's not scratching then it might not be mites. If he's looking unhappy it's probably discomfort as the sores will be sore.

 

[Tulsi]

I read somewhere that there is a kind of cream you can rub onto them to ease the soreness. Will ask the vet about that.

 

[Socks' Mum]

I hope the exotic vet is good and can diagnose and treat Kulfi. Poor fellow, not easy

 

[Doodleham]

So sorry Kulfi is ill , hope he is feeling better soon.

 

[Tulsi]

Sadly the specialist vet that my vet contacted believe that Kulfi has cutaneous lymphoma and has asked to to contact them to discuss end of life care for Kulfi.

My gentle little sweetie pie.

 

[Maz]

I'm so sorry Tulsi - that is very sad.

 

[hamster lover 123]

So sorry to hear about this

 

[Doodleham]

So sorry. He's a really beautiful hamster

 

[Socks' Mum]

That is so sad. You had such a short time together. Thinking of you

 

[Tulsi]

Thank you all so much.

He will be on steroids (a tiny amount) and then pts when the time comes at the vets.

I spoke to a vet at the practice who was really kind and made me feel a bit better about the whole pts pts process.

I did cry when I came off the phone though.

 

[Maz]

This is incredibly sad when he's so young. So very unfair. I'm so sorry.

 

[Socks' Mum]

So sad that you are losing him so young. Good to hear that the vet is kind. Wishing you and little Kulfi comfort

 

[Doodleham]

So sorry. He's in the best hands with you.

 

[Tulsi]

Happier news. He has been prescribed steroids and has a teeny bit (tenth of a tablet) twice a day. He has noticeably perked up just hours after his first dose.

I am so glad that he loves his porridge and hemp seeds so much!

I have been giving him a bit of Rusty's dog food with his porridge. It all vanishes very quickly.

He has seemed more lively and holds himself differently. Clearly not in discomfort now which is utterly great. He probably doesn't have a long time left but at least he is comfortable.