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Old 12-02-2019, 03:33 PM   #1
doban911
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Default PLEASE HELP! Hamster has big lump on foot

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew what this ws or what may be causing it. This is a picture of rat the hamsters foot, and it does not seem to be getting any bigger or smaller (1 week of observation) I do not have any money to take him to the vet. Please let me know what it is, or what I should do about it. It does not seem to hurt him, but is causing minor mobility issues at times.



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Old 12-02-2019, 04:24 PM   #2
souffle
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Default Re: PLEASE HELP! Hamster has big lump on foot

You need to see a vet with your hamster. This looks like bumblefoot and is an infection in the food causing a swelling and abscess . It's often caused by a bad type of wheel with rungs especially metal ones which can get rusty. You need to take the wheel out for now and check for any rough surfaces. They vet can hopefully diagnose if it is this or a tumour on the foot.
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Old 12-03-2019, 12:43 AM   #3
AprilPearl
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Default Re: PLEASE HELP! Hamster has big lump on foot

I agree with Souffle. Bumblefoot can be fatal if left untreated I believe so he has to see a vet ASAP, especially since he’s already been like that for a week. Can you borrow money from friends and family? In future, you might want to keep some money saved in a vet fund for emergencies such as this.

Also, there will be a reason why he contracted bumblefoot and you should identify and remove the cause. This might be a mesh floor in the cage or a wheel with rungs or mesh on it.
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Old 12-03-2019, 01:11 AM   #4
Ithuviel
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Default Re: PLEASE HELP! Hamster has big lump on foot

He needs a vet right now. I'm sorry about your financial situation . And you need to change the wheel if its metal or mesh. And the wheel must be 20 cm for dwarfs or 28cm for syrians. Here is a video about wheels
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Old 12-03-2019, 02:51 AM   #5
Vierville
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Default Re: PLEASE HELP! Hamster has big lump on foot

I must agree, he needs to see a vet. Please try and look for an 'exotic animal' vet as they will be much more likely to have knowledge of hamsters than a regular vet. Exotic animal vets don't necessarily charge more thsn regular vets.

If there is any way that you could borrow the money, please try as your little friend needs help. I know that it is easier said than done and I'm really sorry about your situation.
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Old 12-03-2019, 05:29 AM   #6
Pebbles82
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Default Re: PLEASE HELP! Hamster has big lump on foot

Agree - it needs a vet diagnosis. If it's Bumblefoot it will probably need antibiotics. You might be able to work out if it's that or something else by letting us know some of the things mentioned above. Bumblefoot can be caused by a metal mesh wheel surface or metal grid shelves eg. Or it could be an infected toenail or similar. Does it feel hot and red or is it just a lump with no heat really? You could try bathing it with thyme tea and see if that helps at al (natural antiseptic) but if it's an infection your hammy will need antibitiotics or it can get into the bloodstream.
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Old 12-03-2019, 12:31 PM   #7
doban911
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Default Re: PLEASE HELP! Hamster has big lump on foot

Thank you all for the replies.

I was very worried that it was cancer, as it did not look like the images of bumblefoot that I saw online. He has a plastic wheel with ridges every couple of inches (which I have since removed for monitoring), and lives in a very large cardboard cage I made with shredded paper/cardboard bedding.The only other materials are some metal and duct tape I used to make stairs to the second floor that he does not use very often, and plastic tubing that run outside of cage (old vacuum hose and pet store tube).

There does not seem to be any broken skin, it seems to be a smooth lump. It does seem like there is pressure built up, maybe I should try to pop it?, and the lump is not hot or warm (it seems colder than the rest of him).

I have messaged my family asking for money, and have started saving, but I have a feeling the longer I wait the worse it will get. In the meantime, if it is bumblefoot, does anyone know what antibiotics are generally prescribed for this sort of thing? Thank you all for your concern and support I will keep you updated on the progress
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Old 12-03-2019, 12:32 PM   #8
doban911
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Default Re: PLEASE HELP! Hamster has big lump on foot

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
Agree - it needs a vet diagnosis. If it's Bumblefoot it will probably need antibiotics. You might be able to work out if it's that or something else by letting us know some of the things mentioned above. Bumblefoot can be caused by a metal mesh wheel surface or metal grid shelves eg. Or it could be an infected toenail or similar. Does it feel hot and red or is it just a lump with no heat really? You could try bathing it with thyme tea and see if that helps at al (natural antiseptic) but if it's an infection your hammy will need antibitiotics or it can get into the bloodstream.
Thank you for the reply and information! I will try the tea remedy, do you know what antibiotics are prescribed for bumble foot?
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Old 12-03-2019, 02:43 PM   #9
Vierville
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Default Re: PLEASE HELP! Hamster has big lump on foot

Please don't try to pop it...that will not end well.

I'm not sure what antibiotic would be given if it is infected...there are a number of types.

I must be honest that looking at it, It might be a tumor, in rodents they can develop to quite a substantial size in a matter of days. I don't want to alarm you and I really feel for you not being able to take him to a vet but really it is the only thing to do.

If I had the money to spare I would honestly sponsor a vet visit for him.

Please also remember that many vets will be ok with you agreeing on a payment plan or will waive their fee if you discuss your situation. Please do all you can to get him proper vet treatment.

Last edited by Vierville; 12-03-2019 at 02:54 PM.
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Old 12-03-2019, 02:49 PM   #10
Pebbles82
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Default Re: PLEASE HELP! Hamster has big lump on foot

Could you google exotic vets in your location? If you can find an exotic vet, they are usually no more expensive than a regular vet and they know a lot more about hamsters. Just tell them you are short on funds and could they give a quick look and an opinion. If you need antibiotics you'll need to pay for those. I have usually paid about £20 for a check up - meds can double that. The antibiotic commonly used is Baytril but the dose needs to be worked out by a vet. There is another one sometimes used as well but Baytril seems to be the most common one.

For Thyme tea you just buy some dried thyme, put a heaped teaspoon in a jug and add a pint of boiling water, leave it to steep and cool down, then strain it and use the liquid to dab on (use a qtip eg). You can then keep the liquid in the fridge for a few days and keep using it.

Does it seem to be sore for your hamster at all? I also wondered if it might be a tumour if it's not red and inflamed. Assume it is just the one foot and not both feet? If it's a tumour then he needs surgery really - so you do need to know what it is. How old is your hamster? That might depend on whether surgery is an option or not.
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