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Old 08-12-2018, 12:57 PM   #1
Gamina
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Default Tumor and Pain

Cooper - our adopted hamster- developed a lump just on his side inline with his front elbow. We took him to the vets who said it could be a tumor or an abscess. After time and examination the vet diagnosed a tumor. As we know Cooper is an older hamster so we were loath to push for an operation. The vet was sure the tumor is malign due to the fact it has come to a head, scabbed, healed and then grown a bit more. The vet agreed that operating was probably not the best course of action for Cooper.

At this point I would add that Cooper is totally himself. He eats, poops, drinks perfectly as he always did. He is no more lethargic than normal. He is happy to be handled and his behaviour is unchanged. He runs for hours on his wheel at night and still carries himself perfectly well.

I know that Cooper's tumor will continue to grow over time and we will watch him closely. When the time comes and any of the above that makes his life change and the quality lessen we will make the decision to have him put down. My question to you all is outside of the things listed above is there any other signs of pain we can look out for? Or anything you would do differently around his quality of life?
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Old 08-12-2018, 01:04 PM   #2
Gamina
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Default Re: Tumor and Pain

Would like to add I am also monitoring his weight - he was 158g at the last vet weigh in and as of tonight he was 160g so no huge weight loss as of yet.
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Old 08-12-2018, 02:13 PM   #3
souffle
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Default Re: Tumor and Pain

I think when he loses interest in doing normal hamstery things and he doesn't want to come out or be held that is a sign that he has had enough. Enjoy these twilight times and give him plenty little treats and changes of things to eat and things to interest him like maybe a puzzle tube to chew open and get his treats out of. I hope he has lots more quality time with you x
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Old 08-12-2018, 05:15 PM   #4
dreamtree1234
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Default Re: Tumor and Pain

I'm so sorry that Cooper has a malignant tumor. I am glad that his quality of life has not been changed due to this though. Hopefully, he will continue to enjoy doing all the hamster things and be able to make more treasured memories with you for a while yet. I will be keeping you and Cooper in my thoughts and will pray that he will not be in any pain. Huge hugs to you, Gamina. Lots of comforting cuddles to Cooper, too.
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Old 11-25-2018, 02:57 PM   #5
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Default Re: Tumor and Pain

Thought I should probably pop in a little Cooper update. We did um and ah about what to do with Cooper. I was convinced that even with his prognosis he wasn’t ready for the bridge yet and boy was I right. That was all four months ago and he is a perfectly happy hamster.

Whilst we only use soft paper based bedding (so he can’t aggravate the sore) and he can’t have a sand bath (due to grit in the sores) he runs like a champ, builds nests, burrows, waddles, climbs and feeds like the best of them!

The site will occasionally ulcerate. At these times it’s washed in saline twice daily, the vet won’t give antibiotics as over such a long time they would wreck the little guy but we watch for infection at the site in case. He is happily hand tamed and the Sore seems to have no nerve endings (tumors do not) so he will allow it to be cleaned.

We monitor his weight and it has always remained steady. The cancer itself is around the size of a 10p piece and situated between his front and back legs so gives him no mobility issues. His coat is gleaming and despite having a little specialist care Cooper is such a loved little fighter. He has regular check ups but hates the vet! When he is next out and in a posing mood I will post a few shots!
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Old 11-25-2018, 03:05 PM   #6
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Default Re: Tumor and Pain

Thanks for the update on your precious Cooper and his condition. I'm so pleased that he is still doing well and hamstering around, not letting the tumor get the best of him. He is a real trooper and quite the determined, little warrior. I'm so happy for you and your darling fluffy. I'm also glad that he doesn't protest when you are cleansing his sores. He is such a cutie, and I look forward to seeing some photos of him whenever he is in the mood. I hope that things will continue to look up for Cooper and he will stay will be lucky enough to stay with you for quite some time. Please give him some cuddles for me. Hugs to you, Gamina.
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Old 11-26-2018, 10:02 AM   #7
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Default Re: Tumor and Pain

Glad to hear Cooper is still doing well, what a brave little guy
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