Syrian testicles normal or not?

[Syrianfriend]

Hi there! Our Syrian boy Cinnamon has always had quite small neat testicles but since yesterday they suddenly look a bit different. From one angle it looks like one of them is popping out like a big peanut and his bottom looks kind of distended. When you spread them out they are both visible but the area under his tail seems a bit puffy. I've attached photos (sorry!)

Is this normal? We don't know his age but we think at least six months. Our last hamster had a truly immense undercarriage in comparison so we know they can be big, but we're just a bit concerned by the change.

He seems happy and healthy in himself.

Thanks!

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[Pebbles82]

I can't quite tell from the photos but our Syrian Charlie's do that sometimes. I thought he had a growth and then it disappeared again! Apparently their testicles do descend sometimes, especially when they're warm (and in Charlie's case warm and comfortable). Does the lump disappear sometimes or is it there all the time?

[Syrianfriend]

Oh, thanks for your reply! I think the lump normally disappears because first I noticed them and then my husband commented. Hopefully it's just the warmth and he's letting it all hang out! But we don't know what something actually problematic would look like.

Charlie looks like a love, such pretty colouring!

[Pebbles82]

Charlie says Thanks! Yes I was quite worried when I saw this pink lump appear round his rear end, then it was gone! Then it was back again. I think if it disappears and comes back again, it's his testicles descending sometimes. Charlie was probably a few months old when I first noticed it so maybe it's a 'stage' thing.

Here's a photo of him letting it all hang out Does it look a bit like this? (Move mouse over photo to enlarge photo).

[BCjetta]

What that lump is, is when the testicles are more descended, they can bulge into the area near the anus where the skin is thinner and has less hair on it. Its totally normal.

[Piebald]

Lol Charlie can't fit it all into his doughnut bed

[Pebbles82]

He he - I think he can if he curls up but he seemed to like having them hanging over the edge

[Syrianfriend]

Oh brilliant, thanks everyone. I have been meaning to reinspect them but I keep forgetting (warm weather brain). He's just having an explore - ah yes, have just nabbed him and today they look very neat again, two perfect mini plums! No weird bulges. Thanks for all your advice - and cute photos of Charlie!

[Pebbles82]

You're welcome - I found out the same way thinking he had a lump and was given the correct info lol.