Poor hammy is having issues. Tumor? Broken arm...

dahoov2 · 06-30-2015, 08:04 AM

I got two Robo hamsters a year or so ago. Both male and over a year old. I have them in separate cages because they fight and one bit the other's butt and made it bald and made holes in his ears. Anyway, they are separated for most of that year.

However, my little one that got beat on has a broken left arm/shoulder/hand or something... for two weeks now. After research they said not much a vet can do for that so don't let him climb. Anyway, I have noticed that he's got a huge bulbous tummy/testicle area bump. I've attached an image and need to know what people think.

I am headed on vacation in a week. I need to know if this can wait till I get back. I won't be here to care for him and I know of nobody who will care for him while I am gone.

Tell me, will a vet help a hamsters that tiny? He's only between 2-3" long. Can this wait? He's still eating/drinking. Is there anything I can do to give him for pain?

racinghamster · 06-30-2015, 10:27 AM

Hi dahoov. It seems you are concerned about this little man or you wouldn`t have joined this forum. Looking at your image, it does seem as though he has some issues there but I honestly can`t say what a vet would advise. A broken front arm/hand could prevent him from holding food and his mobility may be compromised. The lump or possible tumour would need to be looked at by a vet, but chances are it could be a tumour. I can`t say 100% whether much could be done, but when a hamster has multiple health problems, it`s re assuring to let a vet examine them and let you know what the outcome might be or whether he`s in any pain. It`s true that a small bone in such a small hamster couldn`t be pinned or bandaged, but he may manage fine as long as he can eat/drink and his cage is adapted so he isn`t struggling to reach anything.

I would really worry about leaving him more than 48 hours alone with at least someone able to check on him and make sure he`s okay. Due to his issues, it would be cruel to leave him to his own devices really given he does need checking on. He could end up with no fresh water if his bottle decided to stick or leak. If you have two roborovski in separate cages, they will both require a hamster sitter ideally. A week seems a long time to leave them? Have you any family who could even just look in on them to make sure they have enough food and water and that they are safe? How do you plan to leave them alone for a week?

dahoov2 · 06-30-2015, 11:30 AM

Okay, my reply didn't work so let's try this again! He won't be alone. He'll have someone watching and feeding him (as well as food and water and some play time for my cats). But she's not good with rodents and he won't have anyone here to put cream on his wounds (if he got surgery), give him medicine and pick him up etc; she won't do that! But she will check water and food... and I'll have the cage cleaned just before leaving. I should have clarified that. I would never leave them for long periods without someone checking! I'm just wondering if anyone saw a bulge like that on their hamsters... and how worrisome is it and can it wait till I get back?

Gimleyand Meeko · 06-30-2015, 01:05 PM

I know that a male hamster's testicles can appear and reappear during different temperatures. Based on the information that I have been given I would advice seeing the vet immediately and I don't think this can wait. Try and persuade your pet sitter to apply the cream.

Pebbles82 · 06-30-2015, 04:08 PM

I also think it would be good to get him checked over by a vet who is probably the only person who can tell you whether it will wait a week or not. Yes vets do treat small animals like dwarf hamsters. Are you in the US? I think in the US some vets do and some vets don't so you'd need to google which local vets treat small animals like rodents. The timing is tricky! But I think - see a vet - who may give you something for pain. Your pet sitter should be able to adminster something like that if it is something that goes in the water bottle for example (you could explain that administering it could be tricky over the next week and ask for the easiest thing to adminster). I have no idea what dwarf hamster testicles look like when descended - I know Syrians can look like a pink lump near the anus when their testicles descend, but you said it was more his tummy. Also if it is descended testicle it would come and go rather than be there all the time. Good luck with getting a vet appointment this week! I think it's the only option for now, and they will offer advice and support. He would need to see a vet whether it's now or when you come back, so best take him now - it may not be anything too serious, but if it is you can get good advice.

Leila0420 · 07-02-2015, 01:56 AM

Hi dahoov2, I had a campbells dwarf who broke a leg when she was young and still lived a very long life

But my worry about your little guy is that maybe there's a little infection around the break which is causing the lump... Or it could be something completely unrelated (e.g. a lump around his testicles/ scent glands etc. as the others have suggested). I would take him to the vets this week just in case there's something they can do. If your little one needs any medicine it would be good if you can take him asap so at least you can administrate the meds in the few days you have left before you go away.

dahoov2 · 07-03-2015, 11:50 AM

THanks everyone. We're leaving in a couple days... tomorrow is a holiday and Sunday vet is closed. Wicket is climbing much better now, he's also using his leg to groom though he's still not walking on it. He's still loving his wheel. He's eating and drinking fine. The belly seems less swollen... but still has lump there. He's in better spirits for sure. He wasn't wanting me near him now he comes to me. This is all a great sign. Will get him to the vet when they are open...