031208ASingapore Toa Payoh veterinary vets dog cat rabbits hamster neuter surgery veterinarian veterinary fees services education stories published by asiahomes.com internet classifieds, apartments,rental properties, Singapore real estate, rental houses,

TOA PAYOH VETS
toapayohvets.com
Date: 30 October, 2009
Blk 1002, Toa Payoh Lor 8, 01-1477, Singapore 319074
Tel: 6254-3326, 9668-6469

Focus: Small animals - dogs, cats, hamsters & rabbits

Interesting case studies/pictures

NEUTERING A MALE HAMSTER
AT TOA PAYOH VETS

Dwarf Hamster, Male, 2 months. Neuter to keep female company, without breeding. Toa Payoh Vets

Case written: Jan 23, 2009
Case updated: Oct 30, 2009
Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow), MRCVS

Hamster, 2 months, male. Neuter at Toa Payoh Vets.

It is more common for Singapore hamster owners to get their hamsters neutered or for tumour excision surgery in 2009.

"Are you aware of the risk of anaesthesia in any hamster undergoing surgery?" I asked the young lady. She nodded: "I wish to prevent the female from having babies. Neutering the male will enable both to live together."

The hamster was given an injection anaesthetic and neutered. He woke up after 5 minutes of surgery. He was very active after surgery and went to exercise.

The owner brought him home in the evening. He had to live by himself for at least 7 days. His bedding should be clean tissue paper. By Day 3 after surgery, the lady phoned: "The hamster is very active and eating well. Can he join the female? The wound is closing.

"Wait another 3 days," I said. Will the female attack him? The owner had to monitor closely.

Pictures - Neutering a male hamster



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
From: ...@hotmail.com> Subject: Enquiry on hamster To: judy@toapayohvets.com Date: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 8:12 AM Hi, I have a male dwarf hamster which I wish to neuter. Reason is simply because I don't want his partner to reproduce anymore. But through neutering, I wish to still keep them together as I've witness signs of loneliness from the female (I think. She was restless in her tub, finding the male at spots where he would usually hang out during one incident when he escaped. She'd also look for her male to cuddle together.). DR SING'S REPLY IS IN CAPITAL LETTERS The thing is, I've browsed your website and found that after neutering, the hamster has to be isolated for 2 weeks. By then, wouldn't both hamsters lose each other's scent and may result in fighting? AFTER NEUTERING, TIME IS NEEDED TO HEAL THE WOUNDS AND TO RECOVER FROM INFECTION. ANTIBIOTICS WILL BE GIVEN. THEY MAY FIGHT AFTER A LONG SEPARATION. YOU CAN TRY TO GET THEM LIVING SEPARATELY IN 1 CAGE USING A WIRED FENCING. THEY CAN SEE AND SMELL EACH OTHER DAILY. (Actually, this is what I am afraid of. When both of them do not recognize each other. It's as good as just separating them without having the male neutered.) Currently, I suspect the male has made the female pregnant again (her first litter was at 090909, second litter 111009). The male is very helpful and would assist the female in the delivery and babysitting the babies when the female goes out to eat or exercise. If that is so, when should I bring the male over for neutering? WHEN THE YOUNG ONES ARE WEANED. MOST LIKELY AT 3-4 WEEKS OLD. Also, neutering hamsters do not require any stitches?! Wow. STITCHES ARE USUALLY NOT NEEDED IF THE HAMSTER IS LESS THAN 2-4 MONTHS OLD Will it be given any medication after the surgery or will it be ok just as it is, without meds? MEDICINE IS GIVEN FOR HAMSTERS How long does the surgery take? SURGERY AND ANAESTHESIA TAKE AROUND 15-30 MINUTES As I have a crazy schedule and will probably be down in the evening onwards. APPOINTMENT IS NEEDED. PLEASE PHONE 6254-3326. Thank you for your time, patience and kind understanding. I am extremely worried of my lil one. But having too many hammies proves to be of high maintenance. Regards, Name of Owner

Toa Payoh Vets