Cancer

Question
Hi. I have a feamale teddy bear hamster that is a year and a half. I found out my hamster has a malignant tumor on her upper lip and there is nothing the vet can do about it. I was just wondering if you knew or can help me find out more about cancer in hamsters or if you had a hamster with cancer before. Also do you know how to tell if your hamster is in pain? Because if she's in pain, i might think of putting her to sleep.But i really dont want to lose her. Thanks for reading this and hopefully you can help.

Answer
Jasmine,
  First of all, i am very sorry about your hamster. The best place i can tell you to find information on cancer in hamsters is on the internet..i've included a few sites at the end of this that will give you some information. You will be able to tell when she is in pain. If the tumor becomes so large that it interferes with how she moves or eats, then it is a problem. Also, when she starts to slow down, not eat or drink, then i would consider putting her down. I had a gerbil with cancer but i'm not sure if there is a difference in hamsters. I would reccomend going to these websites and if you have any other questions on Euthanasia itself or if her behavior is normal, please let me know.

http://www.cah.com/library/hamsterdis.html
http://www.caringtogether.com/exotics/hamsters3.html#d

Good luck!