Possible Hamster Cancerous Tumour

Golden Nugget · 07-09-2017, 12:49 PM

Hello, guys. First off, I want to thank anyone that took the time to read this post as well as anyone who as helpful information for me. So THANK YOU! I'm new to Hamster Central as a "member," but I have been using it for references for as long as I've had him. So thanks to everyone who uses Hamster Central, you've helped me on several occasions to take care of my little Nugget baby.
To get on to the point, I believe that my hamster, a year and a half old Short-Haired Syrian by the name of Nugget, has a tumour. He had a strange growth in his cheek pouch which I thought was a piece of a cupcake mineral chew that I gave him, but I now know that that is not the case. The swollen "growth" has grown larger, as I have noticed on several occasions. Nugget has been "slowing down" recently. He is a very energetic hamster and even when I try to snuggle with him he insists on moving around and exploring. Recently he has chosen to instead cuddle up and sleep, no matter where he is. He'll wander if set down, but if he's held at all, he won't move, which isn't normal.
I am almost certain it is a tumour. He's got a bit of a bald patch in that area. If you have information to counter that claim... PLEASE TELL ME! I would love to have my concerns to rest, but if it is, in fact, a tumour. How long should I wait to put him down? (Euthanization) As much as I would like to pay for my little guy to keep on keeping on, I cannot afford the 200-300+ dollar surgeries that would be required. I'm just not sure how long I should wait. Really I don't know what to do at all. He is my first hamster, and I read up a lot on them before getting him, but I haven't had the opportunity to learn how to deal with my little guy being close to the end. Again, thanks, everyone.

souffle · 07-10-2017, 02:42 AM

You can't really tell if it is a tumour without consulting a vet I'm afraid. There are quite a few things that will give similar symptoms which may be treatable.
A pouch abscess springs to mind especially with the balding on the side over the lump which often happens when they are about to burst outwards. They are quite painful so he does need seen.
Tooth root problems or growing wrongly can produce lumps as the tooth can push out in to the cheek.
He could be slowing down as he is not feeling so great. Try and find a vet who can give you a definite answer before making a decision. If it isn't treatable then palliative care and pain relief would be my choice until I knew in my heart that life was a burden for the little one then to give rest before he was in pain or critical.

Thin Lizzy · 07-10-2017, 04:27 AM

A vet will be able to examine it and tell you.
The sooner you make an appointment, the sooner you'll know what you're dealing with.
Fingers crossed for Nugget.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 07-10-2017, 05:31 AM

The vet consultation shouldn't be very expensive, then you may be able to get pain medication for your hammy and know for sure what your dealing with so you & your vet can work something out financially as well.

Golden Nugget · 07-31-2017, 09:50 AM

Thank you all for answering. I never did find out if it was truly a tumor but was told by several PETA representatives that that was likely the case. The tumor, as I believe it was, was about as wide as his head when I took him in. He had lost all use of his hind legs, of which I did not notice before (and of which I am terribly sorry to him for.)
Nugget, Syrian short-haired hamster, died on the 28th of June, 2017 at 5:21 pm.

May my little baby rest in peace.

Thin Lizzy · 07-31-2017, 03:11 PM

So sorry for your loss
Little Nugget's at peace now. He'll be at the bridge with the other hamsters.

BorisPasha · 08-01-2017, 12:35 AM

So sorry for your loss.

Have fun at the bridge Nugget.

AprilPearl · 08-01-2017, 12:46 AM

So sorry. Rest in peace Nugget and sleep well.

CMB · 08-01-2017, 01:22 PM

Sorry for your loss. Play well at the bridge Nugget.