Fast Growing Lump: Tumor, Abscess or Cyst?

[lbdang]

Hello,

I am new to hamster. My daughter's 1st hamster has a lump around the area where he stores food. At first I thought he stored his food but the past few days, I've been monitoring the lump and it is not his food. the lump seems to grow faster each day. I tried to call the vets but the exotic vets that I called are not available for at least 4 weeks. I've been calling around but no luck. He seems to be alert and ok, he still likes to be picked up and play with but does not run on his wheel at night like he used to. I don't know if he is in pain or not, the lump seems to be solid like a form of pellet food he has. Any suggestion of what I can do in the mean time to slow down the growth or making him feel better while waiting to see the vets would greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[souffle]

You need to see a vet for examination. Hamsters can get impacted pouches which is when food gets stuck in the pouch and turns bad. Often they will drool and the breath will smell. A vet can flush the stuff out and clean it. Perhaps you could phone around for another vet and say it's urgent?

[lbdang]

Thank you for your reply. I've been calling around the last 2 days for over 20 vets as 1 vet recommended another and then non of them would see hamsters. There were only 2 would but they said a month away. I'll continue to call around.

Thank you!

[souffle]

That must be so hard for you not being able to see the vet. We are so lucky here in the UK with having almost same day appointments. Is there a University vet school that has clinics at all near bye? If you hammy isn't feeding well then maybe try some soft food like porridge or babyfood but just as much as they can eat as you don't want them pouching wet food.

[lbdang]

Thank you very much for your advise. I'll get some baby food.

When I called the pet store to see if they know any exotic vet, the gentlemen there mentioned CBD. He said it is available for cats and dogs but not sure of hamster. Do you know if it would benefit hamster?

[souffle]

I don't think it would be suitable for a hamster but I'm not a vet. You wouldn't know what the dosage is. I wouldn't advise over the counter meds until he has been vet checked

[lbdang]

Thank you very much for your response and advise.

[Amethyst_ice]

Good luck, I hope you can get to a vet asap, it must be so frustrating

[lbdang]

Thank you very much!

Yes, it is very frustrating. The more vets I called, it seemed they referred me back to the same vets I already called.

[Maker]

Are there any hamster breeders near you who might have experience or better vet contacts or even pet shops that have vet contacts? I do hope you can get some help