Hamster Tumour and Fur Loss

Question
QUESTION: Hi again Sheila, lin-jasmine2007 here, Hope you received my last and recent email(Involving any effective Product-that you may know of-that will encourage My Hamster`s Fur to Re-grow(within the affected areas - of both Hip Glands, as well as her chest(Top Part-going downwards). Also Do you know of anything/Any form of treatment -that is available for a Hamster-"With a Tumour of any kind. As I noticed quite a Big swelling-within My Hamster`s Neck area this morning(Friday 3rd August), I took her to see the Vet this afternoon(Hoping and expecting the Vet-to at least give her some form of Antibiotic)- But instead the Vet said she feels there is No need for any Antibiotic, and suggested that I just keep an eye on the Swelling present. My Hamster was only 1 year Old back in May of this year, and Naturally-My Hamster being very special to me, I want to do all I possibly can for her.Please reply(Without Delay)-Many Thanks from -lin-jasmine 2007

ANSWER: Hi Lin

Sometimes hamsters lose the fur around their hip glands and this doesn't grow back - this is normal.  If the fur loss is caused by mites/mange, then it can grow back at some stage, however, if it is hormonal it may never.

With regard to the tumor - your vet is perfectly correct in that there isn't much that can be done.  You need to monitor the situation and see how fast the lump is growing.  Sometimes lumps appear and they stay the same for ages, others are very aggressive.  Vets can operate on superficial lumps and remove them completely, however, if the tumor is attached to an organ, then they can't operate.  The main thing is to monitor how your hamster is - if she stops eating/drinking/playing/ and just wants to sleep, sit hunched up or becomes aggressive, then you need to get her back to the vet urgently as these are indications of pain.  Your vet will then be able to advise you on what to do, or if they can give pain relief.  If the swelling is growing fast, then, again you need your vet to see this and decide whether or not they can remove it.  I'm afraid I don't know of any alternative natural treatments for this.

Good luck - I hope it all turns out OK for you.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Sheila-Lin (at)-jasmine2007@uwclub.net here again, I`d noticed My Hamster making a squeaking like noise on occasions-Could this be related to the Lump she` developed within her Neck.Top part of her Chest area, And Is this Lump that had developed(Likely to be affecting her Respiratory system at all in any way ?(I don`t want her to suffer in any way). I really will Miss her-when the time comes-of me having to part with her, She`s been a Little Gem, So Tame etc.The other Question that I wanted to and need to ask you Is:-Do you know If Hamsters experience any Pain, discomfort-When they are put to sleep(By the Inserting an Injection in to their Tummy ?-I do so Hope not(Or Is the Gas Method of Euthanasia far more gentler on the Hamster Itself, Many Thanks Sheila, A couple of weeks ago- I sadly had to have one of My Two Rescue Rabbits put to sleep(Due to Old Age, and severe Arthritis,(So I`m not having much Luck, Nor Happiness(On the having to have put to sleep side) lately, I think after I have to part with dear Little Truffles(I was thinking of maybe taking on a Hamster from a Rescue Centre(If I can find one (near enough to where I live), Is this a good Idea or not ?, Many Thanks, Please reply again soon, from Lin (at)-jasmine2007@uwclub.net

Answer
Hi Lin

Firstly, it depends how large the lump is and how much of it is internal.  Your vet will be able to advise you on this.  If it is superficial, then they may be able to operate, therefore it is worth getting their diagnosis.

When I have a hamster put to sleep I always ask the vet to give them a little bit of gas first. Often I place the hamster in the container that they are going to be put to sleep in so they are not afraid.  They are given a small amount of gas which makes them go to sleep, then the vet administers the injection.  This way they feel nothing.  If they just have a needle put straight into them, due to their small size, I would think that they do experience pain, and also fear.  So, if you are having one put to sleep at any time it is worthing discussing this with the vet first.

Getting a rescue is a great idea.  Sadly, there are so many unwanted hamsters around, therefore it is great to give one of these a chance for a great life.  Sometimes they have been traumatised if they have been abandoned, or perhaps they've never been handled, but it is very rare that they don't want to be tame - you just have to work a bit harder winning their confidence.

I totally sympathise with you having your rabbit put to sleep - sadly, I often find that all my pets are fine, then suddenly a few will be ill or die very close together.  It is never easy, but euthansia is the kindest thing to do for a pet you love if your pet is losing quality of life.

Good luck with this.

Regards