Tumour/mass with scab :(

[Hammy992]

Thank you everyone for your well wishes x
Custard came off the metacam on Saturday and his incision is healing nicely. He hasn't really been bothered by it which is good and is still chowing down on his antibiotic baby food like a champ.
He has a final aftercare on Monday just to check that he's gotten through the main recovery phase without any infection and I can ask for a bit more info on his oncology result as well since she didn't really elaborate too much on the phone.

It is good news that the whole tumor was able to be removed with a clear margin; I have to remind myself this is a very positive result and the vet has done such a great job and been so caring and informative with him and me. She's given him a chance for a happy ham retirement and that's the best that any of us can hope for for our furry friends

[Coco61]

That would certainly be the best outcome. Fingers crossed.

[Pebbles82]

Yes it's good news - he is doing so well!

[Hammy992]

Something that the vet noted at his previous aftercare was that he has developed a scab where his subcutaneous injection site was. Apparently this can happen sometimes as an inflammatory reaction and she gave iodine to dilute and dab on it to help it heal. We need to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get bigger/worse and continue the antibiotic until Monday's appointment if it's taking its time to clear up.
I've read this can happen in rabbits and larger animals like dogs, has anyone heard of this being common in hamsters? I think the main thing is to try and prevent an abscess or open wound from occurring underneath the scab; will the antibiotic help prevent this?

[cypher]

That does happen sometimes but the antibiotics & the iodine should prevent it from getting infected or developing into anything worse. Hope it's all healed up soon.

[Hammy992]

Custard had his last aftercare today.
Everything looks to be healing well. He needed to have a small stitch snipped that had managed to work its way outside the incision area but the area itself is fine.
The reaction scab on his upper back from the antibiotic injection has calmed down a lot too but since he grooms and scratches that area often it will take a bit longer to get better. He is allowed to have his wheel, grass tunnel and sandbath back which Im sure he'll be pleased about.

At the end of his appointment I gave the vet a little gift bag with a bottle of chianti, mini box of lindt choccies and a thank you card as I was so grateful to her for everything she has done for Custard and me (I got a tin of shortbread for the other girls too as didnt want to leave them out). I think she was very surprised but also touched that something she considers everyday work made such a difference to someone. She really liked the moonpig card with pictures of Custard on the front and said she'll put it on display in reception



Here's the link to the photo of his card Hopefully it works

https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbi...2008&source=48

[Coco61]

So pleased at the excellent outcome for Custard. Very generous of you to the vet and staff and the gesture was obviously greatly appreciated.

[cypher]

Really good to hear everything has gone so well & Custard is through with the vets.
I'm sure your gift was much appreciated, a lovely gesture.