help please

[racinghamster]

Lumps in any shape or form usually are better removed before they grow bigger. Especially in a young hamster as in older animals, it`s usually more risky due to the anaesthetic. This lump possibly was smaller when the hamster was sold to you and not as noticeable and it would be difficult to prove a case against the pet shop if they sold the hamster with or without this issue. You would really need to look at all the facts and proof before you had a case. But without noticing the lump early on, it will be difficult to say the pet shop knew about it before they sold you the hamster.

It`s frustrating, I know, but the hamster will either carry on regardless, or the lump may change shape or grow, so over the weekend, I would check it closely to watch for any changes in size or whether it seems more angry. I would chance surgery if you feel it will give hammy a better quality of life, or you can leave it and if it grows or turns malignant, then the hamster will inevitably deteriorate if the lump was to spread.

At least you have let the shop know what happened. Their response could have been better though than just saying you should have returned him within seven days like a handbag.

[Thin Lizzy]

I'm with RH - it's safer to operate on a young hamster, older ones are more at risk.
I would speak to the vet about getting it removed.
I do believe that the lump wasn't as big when you got him and it's more noticeable. A vet would need to do some sort of scrape test and blood test to see if it's more serious and what it is exactly.

[Pebbles82]

I agree with Racing Hamster. I don't think you will get much joy from the shop - they will just say 'sold as seen' probably.

This is a difficult one for you. Obviously as a new young hamster you don't want him to die under anaesthetic and if he seems happy and pain free then just enjoy him. Obviously if he started to suffer he may need surgery which he might not survive, but lets keep our fingers crossed. You may have him for a long time - it might even be something he was born with. Do you think it has grown bigger since you got him? Does he react if you touch it? If not it probably isn't sore or painful. Enjoy him for as long as he is with you. Life is a very uncertain thing in both animals and humans so it is best to just enjoy each day and not think ahead too much.