Hernia??

magic14 · 04-11-2006, 01:10 PM

Hi,

One of my rescue Syrians - Scabs - has a problem. I noticed that he had rather large boys bits and after looking a bit closer noticed that under the skin there was a black patch that moved around if i touched it - a bit like when you have a blood blister and you press it and the fluid moves. I took him to my vet and she had a good look and said she wasn't sure but thought it could be a hernia. She said it was possible to neuter him and whilst doing this push the hernia back in if that's what it was, but as it wasn't causing him any pain and also as he had already been through so much before I had him (he had been housed with 7 other male syrians from birth and he was 8 months old when I rescued him, he was obviously the most picked on and was terrified and literally every cm of his body was covered in very nasty scabs - hence the name scabs!) then it seemed best to leave it. She said to keep a close eye and check to make sure he wasn't in pain with it.

Well, on looking at his bits tonight the black patch has got bigger - I would say doubled in size, he still seems as if he's not in any pain. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice or has seen this problem before, I am so worried for my little man

souffle · 04-12-2006, 04:18 AM

Is the black colour under the skin and is the area swollen? If it is it probably needs more vet attention as it could be a strangulated hernia. I am glad he seems bright though as that is a good sign. The testicles do come in and out quite a lot in males. They are quite large and mobile and sometimes it looks as if there is a lump but they are just pushing out due to being warm. The skin does become darker in this region as some animals mature so black skin patches are not a problem but if it seems like bruising that would indicate bleeding under the skin. Maybe the vet bruised in with the examination? For your peace of mind why not either take him back or telephone and explain the situation.

magic14 · 04-12-2006, 07:50 AM

Thanks for the reply. His bits are quite large and the black bit I would say is now the size of a 10p coin, was only about the size of a 5p coin before. The black patch is definitely under the skin and not pigment as it moves when I touch it. Also when the vet saw him the first time the black bit was there so it can't be that it's bruised from her examining him.

I did try and get some pics of how large his bits look but the camera made them look even bigger so that wasn't any good. And not being an expert on hammy's bits or ever having had a male Syrian before I am unsure of how big they are when normal so it's hard to compare! So, if anyone has a good picture of a male hammy's bits then please point me in the right direction

I'd like to point out that I don't make a habit of looking at hammy's nether regions!!

I will take him back to the vet tomorrow anyway as I would rather be safe than sorry. But could someone let me know what the risks of an anaesthetic on a hammy are - is it quite routine for hamsters to have operations. Obviously I know that because they are so small there's always a risk.

Poor little Scabs, he really is an amazing little chap, so friendly and loves a cuddle on my lap in the evenings, after all he's been through you would have thought he'd be a grouchy old thing but he's not one bit !

souffle · 04-12-2006, 11:31 AM

You are quite right to examine ALL parts of your hamster regularly and check everything is looking healthy and in order. How else would you know what is normal for your hamster and detect any changes if you did not. Keep up the good work. We check ours over everyday. Anesthetic poses some risk in any animal and particularly in small creatures such as hamsters. Neutering would be quite a big op for a ham I would think but if that is what is necessary to put him right it will be up to you to decide whether to take the risk or give him peaceful sleep. I hope it is not necessary and he gets well soon. I will take some pics of our males bits for you to compare!

magic14 · 04-12-2006, 11:46 AM

Thank you, I will wait for the pictures and then report back once I've compared them to Scabs's bits!

I didn't mean I don't check him I just meant hammy bits in general - like asking for pictures of other hammy bits!

We check both Scabs and Cookie every day, but that's easy enough as when they come out for their run around we just do it then so it has just become part of the routine now.

If it came to him having to be neutered then I would think I would have to go for that option - has anyone else on here had experience of aftercare with hamsters after being neutered? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

souffle · 04-12-2006, 11:58 AM

I do not make a habit of taking pics of my hamsters 'bits' either and Nelson is extremely embarrassed

! However, in the name of science, he agreed, though he wanted his face to remain anonymous!

Nelson is just over 1 year old and the father of 8 babies so there's nothing wrong in that department!

magic14 · 04-12-2006, 12:18 PM

Please send my apologies to Nelson for embarassing him like that but let him know it's much appreciated! When Scabs wakes up I will get him out and compare!!

Thanks for taking the pics for me and give Nelson a cuddle from me! I'll report back and try and get a pic of Scabs when he graces us with his presence!

magic14 · 04-12-2006, 12:27 PM

Well Scabs came out and I have just had a good look - now they appear to have gone back to normal - so now I am baffled

Maybe it was just like you said

Quote:

it looks as if there is a lump but they are just pushing out due to being warm

I will keep a close eye on him and see if anything changes!

souffle · 04-12-2006, 02:51 PM

Well that sounds good. Nelson's testicles are not that far down in those pictures and often one will push even further down looking like a kidney bean pushing at the skin. It can be quite scary when you first see it and many new owners think there is something wrong but you soon get used to it! Hope he remains well.