Likely tumor but can't test

Esmy · 08-10-2015, 08:43 AM

I contacted my vet regarding Penny's fast weight gain and they now suspect possible tumor (as some suggested on my other post). Problem is, they don't have a way to properly test Penny at their place, and only the ER vet does. However, it would cost $300-$600 just for the tests and if she has a tumor, that's not including treatment/removal. I talked to my Husband about it and he said that's just too much, especially since I have a lot of medical bills myself right now. I feel sad and don't know what to do.

She's 1yr 8m old. I assume there is no way to treat a tumor (if found) without surgical removal.

BrainGirl · 08-10-2015, 09:13 AM

There's really not Esmy, especially at her age. Don't kick yourself, no doctor in the world can cure old age, which is probably what's at the root of her problems. Even if they did confirm it was a tumour, removal would be dangerous to her. Rather than have your last memories of her be of stress and running around subjecting her to tests and surgery I would recommend that you treat her like royalty, give her lots of snuggles and let her pass peacefully in her own time.

Nancy's Hamsters · 08-10-2015, 09:40 AM

I agree with BG here. Even if you could do the test and if found it is a tumor or Pyo(Closed Pyo often presents with a sudden and huge weight gain from the uterine horns filling up with pus and having no way for her to be rid of it.) All you would buy her is several weeks of pain and recovery stresses which at her age may well end her will to live and she would be gone far sooner then she will living with the tumor(unless it is closed Pyo which will mean you having to decide how much pain is too much pain).

I would just treat her with love and kindness and make her end days joyful and happy.
Hugs to you during this hard part of pet owning, and may she have many more times with you.

Esmy · 08-10-2015, 10:06 AM

Thank you, that actually makes me feel a lot better! I did get an appt for later today with a different exotic vet that charges significantly less for basic testing, so they said to bring her in to get a second opinion (vs the other saying she's just fat because of arthritis). She is my first hamster (except one I had about 15 yrs ago) and my only girl, so it's sad.

Nancy's Hamsters · 08-10-2015, 10:57 AM

Good luck for you and Penny, Perhaps this new Vet can at least shead better light on what is going on. If she IS just fat from not exercising because of arthritis I am sure he will be able to prescribe meds which will help ease the pain where she will exercise more and take off the unwanted pounds.

Plus if it proves to be more serious they will be able to advise you on what the best course of action will be to keep Penny happy and pain free for as long as is possible.

Saying a Prayer for you and Penny for a safe trip to and from the Vets as well as a favorable report.

GlennUU · 08-10-2015, 11:10 AM

I know this isn't much help. My explorer had a tumour in her stomach that ended up killing her. When I took her to the vet, the vet examined her, and told me what you have been told that it is most likely a tumour. I was then told that there is treatments that are expensive, and things they could do but she did not think it would be best for Explorer because at the time she was already a year and a half. The procedure most likely would kill her, and the tumour was not causing her any obvious pain or interfering with her quality of life. It made it a little more difficult for her to walk but the vet just said TLC (tender love and care).

That being said the same vet when I took my goldie in to be put down at the age of 2 years and 3 months, she almost started to cry herself because I bring my hamsters in whenever something is wrong. The same vet half the time would not charge me just for bringing them in to look at.

So honestly if you knew it was a tumour and you spent the $300 would you decide to spend the extra money to have a small possibility to save your hamster, which wouldn't mean it would have quality of life after.

Just my two cents and the kind of talks I have with my vet

**I had dwarf hamsters**

Esmy · 08-10-2015, 03:30 PM

Thank you for the feedback! It was very helpful taking Penny to the new vet, though not good news at all. She does in fact have a massive tumor on her left side that must be growing very rapidly with her 1g a day gain. It pushed all her organs to her right side. The Dr said she is fine and not ready to be put to sleep, but not sure how much longer she will be ok. I'm supposed to give her Metacam (which she already takes) once a day instead of every 3 days and watch for signs she is no longer active or eating. I'm sad and yet a bit relieved I finally have an answer and am no longer being told she's just fat. :/

BrainGirl · 08-10-2015, 03:47 PM

I'm glad you got some answers at least, Esmy. That must have been some skillful work to get x-rays of a hamster's delicate features! I hope she responds well to the treatment and that it helps her to stay comfortable.

Esmy · 08-10-2015, 04:14 PM

BrainGirl they sedated her long enough to get the xray if you mean keeping her still. Thank you.

**DrKMcK** · 08-10-2015, 05:28 PM

Hi Esmy. This looks just like my Coco when he had tumors and also Braingirl's Salt. There have been a few others too. They can live for some time with the tumors, so just as long as she is doing hammy things, she'll be okay. Spoil her rotten and love her to bits. When you see that life is getting really difficult for her that's when you can talk to the vet about helping her to the Bridge. Although I am sad to see confirmation of the tumor for Penny, you must feel relief at knowing what is really going on and what your path with her now is. Pet her for me please. {hugs}