lump on hamster

Question
I have a Syrian hamster that I noticed has a lump (it feels like a round marble) on his side sown near his  left back quarter.  He is drinking and eating okay.  Would this be a tumor.  Is there any natural herbs that can be given to the hamster to shrink it.

Answer
Hi Nancy

Thanks for your question.

Regarding this lump - hamsters are very prone to getting tumors especially when they are around 2 years old - I'm not sure how old your hamster is.   Can you actually see this lump?  If not, is there any change in skin colour, any sign that the area is red/shiny?  

A point to note is that their cheek pouches can extend right down to their hips and sometimes food gets left in them or trapped and this can feel like a lump.  Is there any possibility that what you are feeling is actually trapped food? If you put your thumb under it and gently move it, does the lump move or is it static?  If it is food, sometimes you can gently move it up the cheek pouch but you must be careful that you don't damage the delicate skin.  If it doesn't really move and is clearly attached and not trapped food, then it would be adviseable to get this checked out.  Not all lumps are tumors - sometimes they are cysts or abscesses which can be drained and anti biotics given.  Not all tumors are serious - if it is slow growing and not attached to an organ (superficial under the skin) providing your hamster isn't affected by it you could just leave it alone, or some vets would operate if the hamster is relatively young and likely to survive the surgery. You would need to be advised by a vet on your best option if that is the case.

With tumors you also tend to notice an increase in water consumption prior to you finding the lump.  

I would be tempted to keep a close eye on this lump - see if it changes in shape, size, appearance. Also, if your hamster starts to behave differently in the sense of being quieter, not as active, difficulty walking, eating less, drinking more, or if their scent changes - if there are any changes I would definitely get him checked out.  If you need to get him to a vet do you know any local vets that have small animal specialists there?  If not it would be worth phoning one or two, and also establishing what their fees are as most will offer reduced ones for small animals.  

I hope this helps you.

Regards
Sheila