Am I being unfair?

[KDcow]

My Syrian developed a lump underneath his front leg a few weeks ago. Since then it has got alot bigger. I am pretty sure that its a tumour. He is currently 2 years and 7 months old. He is fine moving around, and even though I moved his water and food to the bottom of his cage, he still climbs to the very top level. He shows no sign of pain when being handled and is still eating both treats and food. He passes no blood in his urine.
Am I right for keeping alive? I keep putting off the idea of him being put down but I want to do what's best for him. Do I put him to sleep, or leave him be and keep on eye on him until he shows he is in pain?

[SinNyx]

It would only be unfair if his life was being affected. If he is happy, still moving around, eating, not showing signs of pain, keeping him alive is not a bad thing. You'll know when it's his time to go.

[KDcow]

Thank you, I got a but upset this evening thinking I was doing the wrong thing and being cruel. Thanks for the quick reply, its really appreciated

[Skeever]

It may even be a cyst....which is usually a benign lump. Which can be drained and cleaned up. He seems active to enough he might be able to visit a vet and have something to write his grandkids about. The vet will give options and a deeper analyis of what it seems is going on. Does he react when you touch that area? A vet may probe around it as well. IF he seems otherwise fine, I'm guessing a cyst that is having little or no impact on his life?

[DrKMcK]

Definitely have him checked for a cyst because it can be drained as Skeever says. But even if it is s tumor, there is no need to put to sleep if your hammy is doing his hammy things. If a hammy can still clean himself, feed himself, drink and nest, I would let him be. It is only when I know my hammy is not able to live well that I consider helping them to the Bridge. You will know the difference. Lots of hamsters pass away in their own homes when their time comes, and are not put to sleep by a vet. It doesn't sound like your little one is ready to leave you yet.

[Thin Lizzy]

Hi KDcow!,
I so agree about it maybe being a cyst and that it can be drained.
You're not being cruel, he wouldn't climb to the top level if he was in pain or ill.
Think about getting the lump looked at by a vet.
Your hammie is a great age, that has a lot to do with you, your care and love and dedication to him.
You're doing a really great job!
What's your hammies name?

[KDcow]

Sorry for the late reply, been a hectic week. I am going to get him booked in to see a vet after Christmas is over. His name is R.C by the way, forgot to mention that! Today he has snatched his Christmas presents of me as usual! Thanks for the replies, I have really appreciated it

[Thin Lizzy]

Merry Christmas to you and R.C.

Sounds like R.C had a a good Christmas and snatching his presents of you says to me he's still very active and happy.
That's good you're going to the vet after Christmas. Keep us posted on how things go.
Got my fingers crossed for R.C.

[KDcow]

Thank you, he got cleaned put today and was running around my room this morning quite happily. I am just worried that the vet won't go ahead with draining it if it is a cyst due to his age. Do you know if he is awake whilst it goes on? I don't want to put him through anything if he is better just going in his sleep. I kind of keep hoping that he goes in his sleep so he is in no pain. But anyway, the way he is going at the moment he should see new year in!

[Skeever]

Many cysts don't need to be drained, and are harmless. Commonly found with people as well, if it ain't a problem, theres no need to have it out or removed. Keep an eye on it. Quality of life matters, a large benign cyst is cosmetic for the time being