Follow up - Lump

Question
Hi, thanks for your awesome answer, the vet didn't think his skin looked like mites, and he is not itchy at all. Amazingly he has cleaned all the flakes off over the past few days and his skin looks good. It looks like a little fur is even starting to grow. After another trip to the vet; the lump is a tumor and like you suggested I will monitor it in an attempt to get him stronger before surgery, unless it really grows quickly. The tumor is not attached to the muscle wall underneath, I think the vet thought it would be a straight forward surgery depending on his health.  Unfortunately I don't know how old he is, I'm guessing may be a year, he does't act like a senior ham, however it is very hard to tell. Is there any foods you would suggest in order to build him up quickly?? I use vitamin drops and mixed food and I am including porridge...he has put some weight on!! Yaaay. I will definitely keep him away from the others until things are on the mend. Thanks for your time :) I agree, too bad we don't live closer!

Answer
Hi

I'm sorry your vet thinks it is a tumor, but it is good news that he thinks it is operable if necessary. The main food I use for a hamster to get fat on is baby food as this contains a lot of nutrients.  Mine all love the creamy porridge oats too, although I do try various types on them - the tinned baby food of spaghetti bolognaise is also popular!  It is worth keeping an eye on his teeth if you are feeding soft food to make sure they don't overgrow.

It's good news that his skin is looking better - it sounds as though he was really malnourished and hopefully with the right diet he will continue to gain weight and get stronger so that at least you will have an option of surgery if necessary.

Hope he is OK.

Regards
Sheila