health issue

Question
hello Sheila,

About a month ago I discovered a strange lump on one of my hamsters. it's in the area of his ribs. Now, it's a little bit bigger than in the beginning. However, it doesn't look like puss - I have dealt with 'puss problems' and I know what it's like.  It's mobile - I can move it gently with my fingers. It's rather firm and dense.
The hamster eats and behaves normally, he hasn't lost weight.

What could be this and how is it treated?

Answer
Hi Chris

Lumps and bumps in hamsters tend to be abscesses, cysts or tumors.  The fact that there doesn't appear to be any pus makes me think this is a tumor or some sort or another.  How fast is it growing?  Some tumors grow really quickly, while others don't seem to bother the hamster at all and grow slowly.

If it is a tumor and it is internal but not attached to an organ, then your vet might consider surgery if necessary. If this isn't causing any problems or affecting your hamster's health, then this is probably best left alone.  If it is attached to an organ then I doubt any vet would want to risk surgery anyway as the chance of success would be slim.

However, whatever it is, it doesn't sound as if it is aggressive in that it is a littler bigger after one month.  In my experience, aggressive tumors grow rapidly, they change size during the course of a day.

If this were my hamster I would probably get a vet opinion on it in case it is something that can be easily treated.  Alternatively, I would suggest monitoring the size of it, seeing if anything changes in your hamster's behavior - i.e. is he drinking a lot more than usual, any changes in weight, does he look dull, hunched up and wanting to sleep more etc.  If any of these changes occur then I would get him seen quickly.

Hope you get on OK

Regards