4 replies to this topic

[0614]

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I am planning to get a hamster (WW) in the not-so-near future and would like to seek recommendation for good vets that treat hamsters in Singapore, for general illnesses and surgeries. I understand that there is a similar thread on this forum but the posts date back to 2010 so I'd like to get some updated information. If possible, please advice on unrecommended vets so I'd know to stay away from them.

 

So far, I've been looking at Monster Pet Vets, Vets for Life Animal Clinic (River Valley), VET@RV (though I've read mixed reviews about the work ethics there), and Namly Animal Clinic (seems like Dr Ling is no longer seeing hamster patients, unfortunately). Previously, I brought my late hamster to Companion Animal Surgery. The attending vet seemed quite knowledgable about medical treatments for hamsters, but she's not always in, and I'm not sure if CAS has vets that are good and experienced with hamster surgeries. Overall, I'd like to keep my options open to other good vets out there. 

 

Finally, I'm in a dilemma regarding neutering of hamsters--some advocate neutering hamsters to eliminate risks of reproductive cancers while others are against it due to the risk of anaesthesia. Should I have my hamster neutered when I get one?

 

I look forward to your replies. Thank you in advance.

Edited by 0614, 17 February 2019 - 04:18 PM.

[nebit]

Finally, I'm in a dilemma regarding neutering of hamsters--some advocate neutering hamsters to eliminate risks of reproductive cancers while others are against it due to the risk of anaesthesia. Should I have my hamster neutered when I get one?

I can't help with Singaporean resources, but I can answer this one. I have never heard people seriously discuss proactively neutering a hamster. It's just not done. For males, there are probably few, if any benefits. For females, who might benefit as they are prone to reproductive tumors and infection, the procedure is far more difficult, and anesthesia and surgery risks with a hamster are high. I don't know of anyone who spays either, unless the hamster already has a health issue in that area.

[0614]

I can't help with Singaporean resources, but I can answer this one. I have never heard people seriously discuss proactively neutering a hamster. It's just not done. For males, there are probably few, if any benefits. For females, who might benefit as they are prone to reproductive tumors and infection, the procedure is far more difficult, and anesthesia and surgery risks with a hamster are high. I don't know of anyone who spays either, unless the hamster already has a health issue in that area.

Hi nebit, thanks for the response. I looked it up after my vet recommended having my next hamster neutered, think it's because surgery risks are higher in older patients (higher chance of them not waking up from anaesthesia) so we should opt for neutering them at a younger age? But I agree that the risks are still there regardless of age. I'll do more research on the vets around my area and hold back if I don't find a specialist who can safely perform the surgery.

[nebit]

Hi nebit, thanks for the response. I looked it up after my vet recommended having my next hamster neutered, think it's because surgery risks are higher in older patients (higher chance of them not waking up from anaesthesia) so we should opt for neutering them at a younger age? But I agree that the risks are still there regardless of age. I'll do more research on the vets around my area and hold back if I don't find a specialist who can safely perform the surgery.

I would not neuter a male, there just aren't any benefits and considerable risk. Spaying a female might make sense, but only if you could find a vet of considerable skill- and even then you're putting the animal through the risk of anesthesia (high in a pet this size) and causing them considerable pain just to avoid something that may or may not be needed later. That's not a choice I would make with our current veterinary technology, but I wouldn't fault someone for deciding differently.

[0614]

I would not neuter a male, there just aren't any benefits and considerable risk. Spaying a female might make sense, but only if you could find a vet of considerable skill- and even then you're putting the animal through the risk of anesthesia (high in a pet this size) and causing them considerable pain just to avoid something that may or may not be needed later. That's not a choice I would make with our current veterinary technology, but I wouldn't fault someone for deciding differently.

I've checked out other threads/forums and realised that most do not actually recommend neutering hamsters, seems that it's the hamster care websites  that recommend doing so. I was worried since my previous hamster had a tumor which was discovered too late. We'd been trying to increase her weight and thought that she was gaining weight, then she started losing fur on the left side of her belly and chest and we realised it was a tumor, but she was too old for surgery by then and passed away soon after... I'll heed your advice and keep my next hamster unaltered. Thanks again for the advice.