Advice please for robo hamster - swollen or normal?

[Legoluce]

Hi everyone,

I've often browsed this forum when researching hamster related questions, but this is the first time I've signed up to post.

I have a robo hamster called Sweep who I've had 2 years in January. He is the first robo I've owned, having previously always had Syrian hamsters.

I've read many times that male robo hamsters have large testicles, but in the last week I've noticed Sweep's seem to be extremely large/hanging behind him. I can't tell if that's them fully grown, or if there is a problem I should be concerned about (or if it's not actually his testicles?!). I've never noticed them being so prominent, but I'm not sure when this started.

I haven't noticed any unusual behaviour, but he does appear to be scratching an awful lot. He kinda curls up and sits on himself and scratches away. He's a very neurotic hamster, he does not like being picked up so I find it really hard to check him over as I'm always afraid of frightening him, I had varying levels of success with taming him, depends on his mood as to how far he will let me go. I did manage to hold him last night but having no experience with robo's I can't tell if he feels normal or not.

He appears to be eating normally, running on the wheel etc, but I was going to take him to the vet on Saturday for some reassurance. I thought I'd post here in case anyone thought I needed to go urgently instead.

I have uploaded a few photos here, and would be most grateful if anyone has any thoughts on whether there might be something more concerning going on.

https://flic.kr/p/BeCYyn

https://flic.kr/p/AzEchF

https://flic.kr/p/BcpjeA

https://flic.kr/p/BbjKY1

Thanks in advance for any comments.

[souffle]

Hi there - It doesn't look quite normal down there however I'm not sure if it is due to his age and the fact that he is losing weight and fur making them look more obvious or if there is actually a growth or swelling. He does look quite bright there.
At his age an operation would likely be very risky if it was possible at all but I think it would be worth having a vet check up on this anyway in case there is an infection that may be treatable that is causing the swelling. If it is old age or a lump then it is really a case of lots of love and enjoying his twilight times as well as being very aware that when he shows signs of distress you will see it quickly and be able to help him. He's a cutie

[Legoluce]

Hi Souffle,

Thanks for the speedy reply. I've booked an appointment at the vet for 9am tomorrow to go get it investigated.

I did think he lost weight, am very aware he's getting old. Always the hardest bit to deal with.

Will have to see what they say, my only concern is the vet isn't a specialist hamster vet, I don't know where my nearest one is.

Appreciate the advice, and the compliment on Sweep! I should post some pics where it's not just his bum!

[cheekytita]

Hi. I had the same concern before with my hamster P2 and sought for advice here as well.. Though i am no expert and rhough our hammies have different circumstances like with age and specie, I hope this thread would help... Red swollen testicles

[Legoluce]

Thanks Cheekytita for the opinion, I don't know if my room is too warm for him but definitely worth considering. Thanks for sharing your experience with me.

[Coco61]

Don't know where you are in London but if you are in reach then CJHall in Sheen are experts in little furries. Senior vet is one of the best in the UK. You can look on their website. You could be referred there if a second opinion is needed.

[Legoluce]

Thanks for the tip Coco61, if I've got the correct website then I'm about a 40 minute car journey away, so possible if needed. It says they have a sister surgery in Acton which is closer to me, so I might be in touch to ask about it again depending on the outcome tomorrow at my local vet.

Appreciate the suggestion.

[Coco61]

I haven't been to Acton, only Sheen but I cannot recommend them more highly. As you have read by now, exotics are their speciality.

[Legoluce]

Hi Coco61, yes I saw that on the website. I might take Sweep there for a second opinion.

We went to the vet this morning, and she said there is a skin growth, but that it was outside the body, not on his abdomen or stomach. She could feel it and showed me, doesn't appear to be causing him pain. She advised I keep an eye on it, but that as he's older and so tiny she's not sure they would be able to help me if it got worse.

I'm debating still taking him to the vet in Sheen for another opinion. The vet this morning said he seems lively enough and was running around, eating, drinking and behaving normally, so it doesn't appear to be a cause for concern so far. I'm not sure that clears up why his testicles appear swollen and hanging lower though?

I'm wondering if he's scratching loads because he can feel the growth and is scratching that, there is no wound visible.

I kept his cage in my room last night so I could listen to his behaviour, he was definitely up and running around, eating, attacking his food and going on the wheel. This morning he moved all his bedding from his house to under his wheel and seemed fairly happy going back and forth.

Hard to know what to do! I do need to get his nails clipped so might go to Sheen and get that done if they can and a second check up...

Can't tell whether I should feel reassured or not. It sounds like positive news but I'm worried still.