Swelling

Question
QUESTION: Hi Sheila, My male hamster is years old last March. Two weeks ago I noticed his pink tummy was turning dark and he was bloated. I immediately took him to a vet. She gave me information that didn't sound appropriate but I stuck with canned pumpkin for 2 days. The darkness on his tummy has spread through out his abdomen. Now on his right side the organ that is there is swollen and firm. But does not seem to be uncomfortable. The NEW vet has given him antibiotics and am giving him shots to keep him hydrated. His behavior has changed and of course he is not quite himself. I would like to know what organs are on HIS right side lying on his back. Do they do surgery on hamsters? It is clear He is not ready to die just ready to enjoy retirement. Many $ later I am still looking for a vet to tackle this problem. "I believe" he has a blockage. Are his intestines middle of his right side? Liver? Kidney? Thanks so much for your time and help.

ANSWER: Hi Dawn

Sorry to hear your hamster isn't at all well.

I'm not a vet, but hundreds of rescue hamsters have come through my doors over the last 12 years - a number of them with illnesses.

Firstly, hamster's anatomy is pretty much the same as humans - his liver is on his right side.  Sometimes hamster's kidneys can enlarge - but this tends to be symmetrical and these are around their hip area.

The darkness is curious - sometimes hamster's skin can go dark and harden - this is usually when they have had some sort of mange/mite infestation  - but you would know this because he would be scratching all the time, and his skin would look dry and flaky.  

With regard to the swelling - this can be a tumor or some sort of fluid.  The fact that you say it is firm makes me think it is more likely to be a tumor (but I would have thought the vet would have ruled this out).

They do surgery on hamsters - but not on any major organs - they only tend to operate if there is a superficial problem.  

With regard to rehydration - you can try giving him human rehydration powders - if this saves money.  You mix up the powder as per the instructions, then with a dropper get the hamster to drink a few drops or so every now and again.  

I'm not around this weekend but I will try and get back to you on Monday regarding this - I'd like to ask a friend who runs a hamster rescue to see if she has any ideas.  I'll email you then.

Regards

Hi Dawn

Just as a follow up - I've been giving some thought to your question and discussing it with hamster experts.  It is very difficult to know what is happening without knowing what the vets have said - what they've ruled out or what they think it is.  We've never heard of feeding hamsters canned pumpkin before - so I'm not sure what that was about.  In your email - the age of your hamster is missing - but I'm guessing he is over 2 years old (hamster life expectancy is anything from 18 months - 2 1/2 years).  The hard lump definitely sounds as though it could be a tumor of some description - is it getting any bigger?  Sorry I can't be more help, if you have any more information please email me with it and I'll see if I can pin this down a bit more accurately.

Regards

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

QUESTION: Hi Again Sheila, Mr. Jingles is still alive and determined to survive. He is 3 yrs and 5 months!! I realize he has lived a long life but he is spunky and lively otherwise. His color in his mouth and feet are great. "The darkness on his tummy has spread through out his abdomen." This is not his skin the black is inside because once in awhile his testicles will turn their normal pink. That is why I began to think he had an intestinal blockage. If his liver was bad would he not have diarrhea? The solid part on his side does feel firm almost like he is bloated. The pumpkin may not do  anything but he loves it. I continue to give him the bactrium antibiotic. He loves me up. Gives me kisses and is simply begging for me to solve this. We are off to the medical school in the am with him. Will let you know if I find out anything. I went out and purchased the powder you suggested. He loves it and seems to rehydrate him well. Thank you so much.
ANSWER: HI

I'm amazed how old Mr Jingles is - perhaps he's going to make it into the record books!  He sounds a fantastic little hamster.  I do hope you find someone who can help solve this mystery  and I'll be interested to know how you get on.

Regards


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

QUESTION: Hi Sheila AGAIN!

Thank you for sticking  with me through this trauma. Mr. Jingles has been diagnosed. Hurray.

Mr. Jingles has a tumor on his adrenal gland and the vet believes it could be affecting his kidney. She said, he is good to run with one kidney working. He could have Cushings Disease and that has created the tumor. It is the size of a M&M which seems huge on my poor boy. She also stated this will cause of the color changes throughout the month due to the chemical (hormone?) changes in his system.

There is nothing to do about the tumor other than to continue hydrating him throughout the day. The tumor will cause him not to be thirsty. She stated as the tumor grows he will become more uncomfortable, but for now he is fine and it is slow growing. I MIGHT see him possibly hit 4 next March. WOW!

She was tickled you had been helping and thought it is great you partcipated in gettint Mr. Jingles this far. She said to tell you thank you for the work and time you put in for people.

As for me I can not thank you enough. He would of dehyradted and been gone if you had not given me the advice you did. So heres more information for the book I hope some day you will write for all of us hamster lovers.

KUDOS, Dawn

Answer
HI Dawn

I'm so pleased you've finally got a diagnosis and at least know what to do.  Thanks for your kind words.  I have actually written a book on hamsters (co wrote it with my vet) and I find his medical information invaluable.  If you want to send me your details via my website: www.thehamstersite.com I will be pleased to forward a copy to you with my compliments.

Regards