Lump on Chinese's Jaw

[WildestRose]

Hello, I'm asking for help on a particular issue with my Chinese ham, Blu. She's one year old, turning two this year. Last week I noticed a small swelling on her mouth, but I took nothing of it (it seemed insignificant at the time I was monitoring it).

However last night I noticed that it has rapidly grown. It's a hard lump on her jaw, under her eye, and partially hanging under her mouth. It doesn't appear to be affecting her, and it's a lump under the fur. She's not lost any weight, although I have concerns. She's still eating, drinking, and walking/playing/interacting just fine.

Nothing in her life has changed, she hasn't interacted with any other animals, no bedding or food changes, etc. There are no hamster savvy vets near me that I can take her to, the only one being a recent addition to a Pets At Home store near me called 'Vets4Pets'. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with them, on top of this mystery lump that I'd like some advice with?

I haven't heard of anyone who has taken their Hamsters there, although I know people who have taken Rabbits and been given good care. I just want to be sure that if I was to take her there, I wouldn't be given bad service (as I have been given before at other practices). If anyone has any other suggestions, I'm Northwest UK, Lancashire.

As for now, all my care is directed to her. I don't know what it is myself, although I'm praying it's not what every owner automatically assumes. Has anyone had anything similar? Absolutely any advice is appreciated. Thankyou.

[katmick]

Hi,I am so sorry about your worries re Blu.
I would definitely take her to vet who may diagnose her condition correctly. It could be a tooth abscess,imopacted cheekpouch,facial abscess and really hope not,touch the wood tumor. Please bring her to vet, as he may give her antibiotics that may help her if it is an abscess ( which is essentially a pocket of infection in the body). You could also wait for the abscess to open spontaneously and drain by itself,but remember,you are not sure if it is an abscess and then if it is,vet may even drain it for her and give her injection of Baytril with follow up on oral Baytril.
If she receives treatment it may also relieve her pain.

[souffle]

I'd agree that this looks like an abscess maybe in the pouch or the tooth root. It should be able to be drained or the vet might be able to do an aspirate to see if it contains pus or not. Most vets will probably try treating with an antibiotic first of all before trying anything more traumatic.
I don't have any recommendations in Lancs but there are a couple listed here you could call maybe?
Vet Index Online Directory - Avian & Exotic Referrals

or there is one on our list here in Radcliffe?
Good vets finder

[Vectis Hamstery]

I would agree with seeking vet attention. Given how rapidly it's changed, it may well be an abscess which can be helped with treatment. Good luck.

[Fluffagrams]

I took one of my previous hamsters to a Vets4Pets branch as he was adopted from Pets At Home and they were paying for his vet care. Both of the vets working there were very nice and didn't give the impression that they were unwilling to try treatments for Garfunkel because of his small size which is something I have encountered in the past and they were pretty thorough in their examinations.

All the best to little Blu and I hope she's better soon.

[Thin Lizzy]

I've heard good things about Vets4Pets, I would phone up and get an appointment, abscesses can be sore, and you probably need antibiotics from the vet.

[racinghamster]

I would go with the Vets4Pets vets if they are the closest to you but when you go in, give the vet a history of the lump and when you noticed it and how quickly it grew. The vet should be able to say what it is if they do a good examination. They usually try antibiotics first but do try and get a diagnosis on what the lump is. The vet should feel the lump and say whether it`s attached to the skin or the deeper tissue. It could be something that she will need an anaesthetic for to be removed, or it may be a case of antibiotics and monitoring.

Try not to worry though. Remember, you are in change and be clear about what`s going on before you leave the vets. x