Need help, Lump scare

[ScarlettDesire2]

I just found a lump on my hamster under his chin, upper chest. It came up suddenly, I didn't notice it there a couple of days ago. It's about as big as a peanut (not in the shell of course) and it feels kind of like a gland, it doesn't feel that hard from what I can tell (he barely let's me touch it). It's also moveable, it's not fixed in placed.. I'm hoping that it's an abcess and not a tumor. Are abcesses moveable? And the fact that it appeared so suddenly, can a tumor do that?

I know I need to take him to the vet but I was hoping you guys who may have experienced this could give me some hope. Any help would be appreciated, I'm really worried. :(

[pixibubbles]

the fact that it appeared so fast and is painful is actually good. it sounds like an abscess of sorts. tumours rarely appear and grow so quickly.... you usually have a lot more warning. is it inflamed? smelly? weeping? if so i would say infected wound... especially if you have anything hammie could have splintered, or he could have scratched self... or could be a bad reaction to mite bite. there are an awful lot of possibilities but i think tumours are unlikly as it's not hard, it is painful and moveable. whatever it is sounds like it is in the skin.

definately take to vet as a matter of urgency. . i would suggest try bathing gently in a little salt water as if it is a injury that is infected that will help. if it isnt... well you have done no harm so long as you are gentle. a little cotton wool dampened should do.

if it is infection the vet will give some sort of antibiotic... prbs baytril, and if abcess may suggest draining. dont be worried if vet wants to inject hammie with antibiotics / hydration solution... so long as in scruff of neck hammie really wont feel it much at all as that is where mom would carry them by.

anyways.. good luck with the little fellow and let us know how he goes.