Finna

I found Finna behaving wierdly a day ago. She was moving very slowly and did not seem to mind me poking her, a curious observation for a roboski, usually alert and energetic. A closer inspection found that her eyes were half open, and she seemed to be in a daze. Her sister Tina was running around the cage as usual, darting here and there, while Finna just sat there, stoned. The contrasting difference alerted me to a problem.

A quick search online with the key words “roboski hamster sluggish half opened eyes” brought up a list of websites descripting similiar symptons, mostly with a sad ending. It has something to do with an eye infection, but that carries an additonal symptom, some discharge from the eyes. Fina did not have any such discharge. Nevertheless, I took a damp cloth and wiped it across her eyes gently. it had the strength then to push the cloth away.

I thought at that time that it should not have been such a simple problem. an eye irritation couldnt have such a severe effect that Fina would not eat or drink or even move around. She did try to run the wheel but could only manage a weak attempt. She then spent her time sitting at her usual corner, only half as fast and a quarter as strong. She seemed a lot smaller.

Tina seemed to notice and kept close to her frail sister.. as if to keep her warm and out of my (seemingly hostile) reach. The energy difference between the two was clear as day.

It could have been an allergic reaction. I did change the sand a day before, but since then quickly reverted back to the original brand. A fight with Tina? No bite marks. Sickness? I just cleaned the cage, though Jolyn alerted me to the water tube, which may be contaminated. I keep fresh water, but the tube is hard to clean, and I thought nothing of it at that time. The night is spent in worries and wondering what happened.

Finna just passed away this morning. We found her stiff and unmoving in her little sand bathing home. Her eyes were fully closed and she seemed finally at ease. I buried her in the open field at the front of my house so that she may roam in open space forever. Rest in peace, little Finna. Your owners will remember you dearly.