Diane and Lucy's Battle with Pyometra

Hello again readers,

We wanted to talk about Diane and Lucy in one post since they were sisters who came to us together. Strangely, both sisters began their battle with Pyometra around about the same time as each other. We learnt a lot about the condition through their experiences. We thought it would be interesting to write about the multiple approaches we used throughout their treatments, including; medication, surgery, and everything else in between.

Medication Management: 

Diane was the first one to be diagnosed with Pyometra. We noticed Diane had a foul smelling vaginal discharge, and we decided it warranted a visit to the vet. The vet we initially mentioned how Pyometra is quite common with female Syrian hamsters. In their opinion, with Diane's age (2 - 2.5 years approx) in mind, they said it probably wasn't within Diane's best interest to have a full hysterectomy. They instead advised we try and manage the condition with antibiotics - the first one we used was Baytril. 

For a while the antibiotics did keep the condition at bay, but like with all antibiotics, there became a point when Diane developed a resilience to the drug. This was about the time Lucy also developed Pyometra. This vet recommended we try Amoxicillin (Kesium) and Baytril alongside some Meloxicam/Metacam for both girls, and see how they get on.

Lucy responded well, Diane only continued to get worse. Diane went back to the vet and we decided we had no choice, either Diane has surgery, or she dies.
It was bad timing, but we decided to book Diane in for the surgery for when the vet returned from their weekend break - as they were the only one competent enough to do a hysterectomy on an elderly (and sick) hamster. It was risky, but it was the only way Diane had a chance at life.

Regrettably, Diane deteriorated rapidly. So much so, that she couldn't wait for the vet to return, and was no longer in any fit state to risk the surgery - it most certainly would've killed her.

We had Diane put to sleep on 23/02/18.

Surgical Management:

As soon as Lucy finished her course of medication her Pyometra also came back with a vengeance. We used Diane's tragic experience as something to learn from - we couldn't waste any time.

Lucy went to the vet, and the very same day she had a full hysterectomy. Thankfully, Lucy pulled through! Though, she wasn't out of the woods just yet. She was put back onto the antibiotics and anti-inflammatories (non-steroidal), and had a few follow up appointments booked. 

Lucy healed remarkably well, and did recover from her Pyometra. 
She even got a feature on out veterinarians page!

Afterwards:

Lucy did suffer with an upset stomach and some weight loss not too long after she had recovered from the Pyometra and surgery. 
Lucy was put on a special recovery diet (critical care mixed with ratrations no.10 aged and unwell w/o garlic and poly-aid), given a probiotic, and was given a B12 injection. She had to have this a couple of times, we thought it could've been to do with a combination of old-age and major surgery.

Lucy's Passing:

Unfortunately, having defied all the odds, Lucy did have to be put to sleep at a later date after she sadly developed cancer.

Prior to being put to sleep, Lucy came down with an angry growth on her skin - it looked as though she had been burnt. It continued to grow and consume what was left of Lucy. She also began to lose weight again. The vet gave Lucy one last shot, and introduced her to some steroids in the hope she may gain some weight back - she was hanging on by a thread.
Sadly, it didn't work. Our vet was out of options. 
We then decided it was within Lucy's best interest to be put to sleep on the 11/04/18.

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