Tumour/mass with scab :(

[Hammy992]

Hello,

I took my hamster Custard to the vets today to have a scab with hair missing on his lower back looked at; he has had it for about 3 weeks now, almost 4.
He was very stressed about going, we took a taxi there and back but he hates his travel cage and also was not happy about being woken up during the day.

We went to P@h as this is the closest vet and I just wanted them to access it. The vet felt where the scab was and said it is a mass/tumour with a scab on it.
She advised we could either remove it under anaesthetic (risky as he is already 22 months old) or could simply monitor it as long as he is eating/ drinking/ grooming fine and seems like himself.

This was not the news I wanted Also when she went to place him on the scale he leapt out of her hands and onto the table so she ended up with scratches all over her arms. I feel so bad for him being so stressed out.
He is back in his big cage now and I think I will leave him alone tonight so he can settle back down and feel safe again.

So now I am at a loss on what I should do. Given his age he may not survive an operation, and if it is cancerous it will probably grow back even if removed. That seems like a very stressful thing to put such a small animal through if it ultimately won't help.
In the very unlikely case that it is a benign growth, would it have any detrimental effects to just leave it be?

Anyone whose older hammies have had tumours did you risk the surgery or just make the rest of their lives as comfortable and stress-free as possible?

[dreamtree1234]

I am terribly to sorry to hear that your beloved Custard has a tumor and that the two of you are going through this. My hams have never had one so I do not have any experience with this and are unsure of all of the potential risks that the surgery may have and what the exact success rate of the surgery is in an elderly ham. However, since the vet believes it to be risky and feels simply monitoring his condition may be an option and Custard is stressed and scared at the last appointment, I believe that I would probably opt to monitor him closely, make his life as pleasant and stress-free as possible, and cherish every moment with him. Some members on HC may have other suggestions due to their experience with hammies having tumors, but regardless of whichever route you choose I know that you will make the right decision for you and Custard because it will be made with all your love. I wish that I could be of more help, but please know that you and Custard will most definitely be in my thoughts and prayers. I will be wishing for him to live out his life pain-free and happily with you. Please know that we are all here for you and your little sweetheart. Hugs to you and cuddles to Custard. xxx

[Hammy992]

Thanks for your kind words Dreamtree x
The vet did say that given his age the occurrence of tumours and other growths is quite common. She noted that it didn't seem to look infected but is obviously swollen. There was one more option, a biopsy procedure which she said would be £80 to send away and even then would not necessarily determine if cancerous or not. She said it would be better to go for the surgery if I wanted to go that route.

Considering his reaction at the vets it shows he still has fight in him but I don't know if that would be enough to make it through such a procedure. I don't blame him for being scared though; she was trying to take him from me tentatively and was putting her hand around his middle so no wonder he freaked. I know they are not exotic vets but surely it's common sense not to hold a prey animal like that? :/

I asked if they could give something to help heal the scab at least and she gave a small bottle of hibiscrub to be diluted 1:10 once a day to clean the area and prevent the scab from becoming infected.

[cypher]

So sorry to hear Custard has a tumour & you have some difficult decisions to make.
A lot depends on both the hamster's health & on the vet's experience with this kind of thing.
I remember Neptune (a ham on here some time ago) having a second tumour removed at a similar age & coming through it well, I think you would need to have the biopsy done before you can really decide what your best option would be.
If the scab is the tumour breaking through the skin then it could continue to cause problems & may not heal.
An operation is a lot for any ham to go through & I can understand your concerns given his age but if he's otherwise fit & healthy then it can be done.
Only you can decide really but you know Custard best & I'm sure you'll make the right choice for him.

[Hammy992]

Thank you Cypher.

It's difficult to judge how fit he is and whether he would make it through a surgery because as he's gotten older he has slowed down but is certainly not feeble. For the last few months he has been happy to sleep longer and hasn't been interested in his wheel but I still hear him pottering around his cage, stashing food, grooming and building his nests every night. He enjoys coming out to play and has these bursts of energy but sometimes likes to have a nap on the bed too.
Appetite is really good, he loves his food and snacks and drinks normally. He has not lost any weight since the appearance of the tumour (he is 200g).

If I were to go for surgery though I would rather have a second opinion and procedure done through an exotics vet I think. After all their chances of success are only as good as the vets themselves and I do not trust that P@h would have that level of expertise.
If surgery would only give him another couple of months and pass away naturally it is not fair putting him through that stress and pain but if it extends his life for 6 months for example then I would regret not giving him that chance.

I wish that hamsters could talk so he could tell me what I should do!

[Coco61]

So sorry about Custard's tumour, Hammy. I can understand your dilemma.
I see you are in London but don't know where. If you need a second opinion then the very best exotics vet in London is CJ Hall in East Sheen. They have a website. They are always willing to take referrals and give second opinions. Even if you don't want to make the trip right now, I am sure you can phone and ask if you can speak to a vet explaining why. The head vet is a fantastic surgeon with hamsters. I speak from personal experience. At least if you speak to a vet there, I am sure you will feel better informed.

[Hammy992]

Thanks Coco,

I was actually looking at CJ Hall online earlier, they do look fantastic. Unfortunately they are about 20 miles away and I do not have a car or know anyone who could take me there I worry that such an extensive travel on public transport would be far too traumatic for the little guy.

I am in East London so if anyone knows of any reputable vet surgeries around that area who specialise with small animals I would greatly appreciate the suggestions.
I am still not sure about proceeding with surgery at his age but would feel much more informed if he could be examined by someone who has enough experience to know whether the chances of success in removing the tumour are good or not.
If it was identified as a benign slow growing mass unlikely to impede his health I would feel much more at ease in simply leaving it alone and letting him enjoy his golden hammy years in peace.

[Coco61]

Still could be worth a phonecall from you just to see if you can speak to a vet over the phone. Just explain your difficulties and Custard's tumour. Can only say no and then you are no worse off.

[Hammy992]

That's true. I suppose I could have a chat to the vet and see if I can send them photos of his back.
One of my friends from work has offered to loan me money for his procedure until I get paid if someone can see him this week.

There is also a vet in Ilford (is a chain) called Goddard Veterinary Practice that apparently have surgical facilities for small mammals, reptiles and fish. Have you heard anything about whether they are good or not?

[dreamtree1234]

You may want to ask if you can video chat with the vet as well as send closeup photos if possible. That way, he/she can see Custard's tumor/scar and any other possible symptoms if you aren't able to schedule a vet visit this week. I hope that everything works out well for you and Custard. It is very sweet of your coworker friend to offer you a loan, too. Good luck.