Hamster tumor

[crazycatlady81]

I know i already posted this, but no one has answered yet. My hamster has a tumor a little larger than a green pea, it is not attached to his testicle, but in the same area. It is growing I think, slowly. Has anyone opted for surgery in a similar situation? I am just wondering if he would make it through surgery, or if he can live ok with this growth. Any help would be greatly appreciated. He is about a year and a half old.

[wheels]

Has a vet been consulted about the tumour?

Tumours are very dangerous to a hamster, since they are so small. Any tumour should be checked out by a vet as soon as you can get to the vet. The problem with operating on a hamster is the fact that the hamster is so small. Unless you have a very good exotic vet, then I doubt he or she would even consider surgery,

[AceVentura]

Yes, definitely take him to a vet so they can tell you exactly what it is (a tumor, an abscess...) A good exotics vet should be able to perform the surgery. Sure there is always a risk with anasthesia with smaller animals, but if you find a vet who has done surgery on a hamster before, the risk is decreased. I've had surgeries performed on both hamsters and gerbils without problems. Only once did a dwarf hamster have a bad reaction, but he was really sick. It sounds like your guy is currently in good health (and if he has cancer, it has not gotten to the point where he is acting sick.)

I hope it goes well for you.

[crazycatlady81]

Thank you, and I do have a good exotic vet. And now that I have checked it again it appears to be gone. Maybe it was nothing. I will watch carefully, and go see my vet if I see it again, maybe it is getting sucked up to his body when he gets cold, with the rest of his stuff. Anyhow, thanks much for the suggestions. Were the surgeries expensive? I have been lucky enough only to have had to spay and neuter, no other surgeries yet. Since they are exptic, would it be more?

[Asami]

HI!! :p
External tumour can be remove by pro vet. Once remove the hamster will be able to regain to its normal health again. However, the concern is whether the owner is willing to fork out the cost of the operation.And whether the hamster will be able to take the stress.Hm....
If its internal tumour then i guess it would be abit tricky. Since it is internal, it is rather diffcult for us to notice unless through monitoring its everyday behaviour. :(

[AceVentura]

Crazycatlady, it depends upon the vet and where you live. I finally have found one who is very affordable. They don't necessarily charge more because it's an exotic animal.

I'm glad it has gone away!