Massive growth on hips.

[sarethums]

Hi my russian dwarf lenin has these massive lumps on her hips, they have grown very quickly over the last week. Initially about 3 weeks ago i thought it was some weight gain and so i reduced her food. I change her food from time to time on whats available and so portion sizing is not always correct and she does go up and down in weight, not significantly. I dont think its constipation as she is pooping normally. The bulges are quite firm. She does not seem so bothered by it and moves around just fine. Probably going to take her to the vet this thursday.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[cypher]

It's not possible to guess what the problem is without seeing a photo really but I would definitely take her to the vet as soon as possible, hope it's nothing too serious & she'll be ok.
Hamsters don't tend to get overweight if fed a healthy appropriate diet so don't reduce her food always making sure she has plenty available. If they do get a little overweight & aren't being given inappropriate foods or treats it's more likely to be to do with lack of exercise so a good size wheel, lots of enrichment in the cage & out of cage time to encourage activity are very important.

[Pebbles82]

How old is she? Newt got very wide at the hips and his was fluid building up, but he was really quite old. If it's the whole area rather than a specific hard lump it could be something internal so definitely needs checking out. If she is quite old then it is likely to be a number of things relating to ageing which will probably not be treatable but the vet can advise how to go forwards and what to look for to seeing if she is starting to suffer. Does she seem ok? Not ears down a lot?

[sarethums]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

How old is she? Newt got very wide at the hips and his was fluid building up, but he was really quite old. If it's the whole area rather than a specific hard lump it could be something internal so definitely needs checking out. If she is quite old then it is likely to be a number of things relating to ageing which will probably not be treatable but the vet can advise how to go forwards and what to look for to seeing if she is starting to suffer. Does she seem ok? Not ears down a lot?

she is 3. Body language seems fine, eating, cleaning, drinking, running etc as normal. Im going to take her in and get checked out.

[Pebbles82]

She is a very old lady It could be an internal tumour or fluid. I am not surethere is much the vet would be able to do and it sounds like she might be in her twilight time now. With Newt he got so swollen I thought something might burst and his ears started to be down all the time, and that was the time I knew to help him on his way.

It's always difficult when they're that age, to know whether to just leave them in peace or go to the vet. I would be tempted not to go and just keep an eye on her. Three is very very old for a hamster. About the equivalent of 120 in human years.