I think Smokey has a tumour :(

Scarlett Empress · 05-18-2016, 10:51 AM

I have found a lump on my Syrian girl, Smokey - it's on her chest and I would imagine it's some kind of tumour.

My sister is taking one of her rabbits to the vet tomorrow, so she's going to find out when one particular vet is on duty, as apparently this vet loves smaller animals especially and is very good with them. So she'll book an appointment with her.

I know that hamsters don't show if they are in pain, but at the moment it doesn't seem to be bothering her - she hasn't seemed bothered when I tough the lump, and she is still eating well, running around like a loony, climbing anything she can and generally getting into mischief, and she looks bright eyed and happy.

But I am aware that she's probably just coming up to two years old, if she's not already (I don't know exactly because I adopted her) so even if it's something the vet thinks she could operate on, it might not be the easiest thing for an older hammy to cope with.

I keep crying just thinking about it and just wanted to post about it here where everyone will understand!

**Cinnamon Bear** · 05-18-2016, 11:06 AM

I also found a lump on Chloe, winter white, and this was about 3 months ago that I noticed it so she must have had it a little longer than that as it was in her groin area. I could only see it if she stretches against the glass of her tank. It hasn't really changed in size and it doesn't seem to be bothering her at all. She'll be 2 yrs in August. She's too old to have surgery so I'm just keeping an eye on her to make sure she is eating and drinking and acting like a hamster. Not sure if it will become a problem or not? I have spoken with a vet I know about it over the phone. It's a big concern but she's not in pain or if she starts showing signs that it's bothering her then I'll take her in for either pain meds or to be PTS (only if she can't eat or drink or becomes unable to urinate).

Scarlett Empress · 05-18-2016, 11:17 AM

I think Smokey's lump has got bigger since I found it last week - I was planning to just keep an eye on it, but I think as it seems to have grown, I need to get her checked - I did wonder about leaving it and just keeping an eye on her otherwise - it's hard to know what to do, isn't it!

Sending good wished for Chloe and I hope she stays well.

Pebbles82 · 05-18-2016, 11:33 AM

Sorry to hear about Smokey's lump. It does sound like an idea to get it checked if it has got bigger. I hope the vet can shed some light on it and give some good advice.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 05-18-2016, 11:35 AM

Thanks I hope your vet knows what to do? I'd suggest an exotic vet even though this girl you said was good with small animals. Don't know if she's a vet tech or a veterinarian.. Either way your money would be better spent at an exotic vet even if it's a little more expensive. My exotic vet told me that you get what you pay for, it's true!

Scarlett Empress · 05-18-2016, 11:56 AM

Thank you Serendipity I was hoping it was just a fatty lump but I think it isn't likely

I keep telling myself, well it's not bad that she's got to 2, but of course I want her to go on forever!

Cinnamon Bear yes this girl is the exotic vet at the practise, she has treated my sister's rabbits and performed a big dental op on one of them, so she will be good to see I think!

**Cinnamon Bear** · 05-18-2016, 11:58 AM

That's good that she's an exotic vet. Hope he's okay?

Pebbles82 · 05-18-2016, 11:59 AM

I guess it could be an abscess but it would probably be painful then if pressed. It could also be a benign tumour. Hope the vet can help. x

cypher · 05-18-2016, 10:15 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this, I can imagine how anxious you must be, definitely sounds like a good idea to get it checked out, I really hope it is something that is either treatable or something she can live with, without pain or discomfort.

Fingers crossed for both of you.

Scarlett Empress · 05-19-2016, 10:07 AM

Thanks Cinnamon Bear I will keep you updated!

Yes I was worried in case it was an abscess Serendipity but she really doesn't seem bothered when I touch it. Someone at work suggested it might be a cyst, with fluid in. I suppose it could be.

Thanks cypher yes I am very worried for her, she seems bright as a button at the moment but I think it's best to get her looked at before anything gets worse.

Well I have got an appointment for her on Saturday lunchtime, to see our preferred vet - I am trying to prepare myself for the worst just in case! I am perfectly happy to pay for an op or whatever treatment they might think is necessary, but I'm aware that she's not a youngster now, and I don't know that I want to put her through a lot of treatment if she doesn't have a good chance.