Expert: Nadia Vella - 5/25/2009

Question
hi nadia.
i have a male syrian hamster he is over 2 years old, about 2 weeks ago i noticed a small lump between his front legs now its grown very big, he is in no pain with it and is still eating and drinking. Im worried that if i take him to the vets they will not do anything because of his age and might advise to put him to sleep. he is a lovely little thing, please help. thanks

Answer
Hi Sheri,

Thank you for your question. At that age, it's very normal for a hamster to have some changes in its body and to develop some lumps.. Operations on such an old hamster usually do not succeed!  A hamster with a tumour may live a normal and happy life but try to avoid any sharp objects (like wooden ladders, wooden ramps or sharp tubes) as these can cause the tumour to burst. If the tumour bursts, put some edible oil on it - preferably cooked oil; olive oil or car engine oil. This treatment helps the hamster not to lick the burst lump and thus the bleeding stops. This natural remedy is very useful so that the hamster will not die by losing blood from the lump.

Kindest regards
Nadia Vella
http://www.hamster-club.com/health.asp
http://www.thehamsterbook.com at 4.99 EUROS ONLY!!