HELP Sick Hamster!!

[lacy]

I have had my teddy bear hamster for a little over two years and he is starting to show his age with some slight har loss but the past two days he has a tumor like swelling on the top of his head that is beging to pull his eyes closed i am afraid he is going through the dieing process is this normal what can i do for him???? Aditional info there is no small animal vets around me of i would have already takein him.

[KatiePillow]

It sounds like he's nearing his time, some pain killers could help him, but otherwise he might need some help to the bridge.
Hamsters can live with tumours, but ones around their heads tend to be harder for them to cope with
I hope he's not in pain.

[Sammybingo]

I think your little one really does need some help at this time - I think any vet, not necessarily a small animal vet, will be able to give you the best advice on how to keep him comfortable. The swelling could be an abscess, or tumour, a few different things. Hamster can cope well without their eyes, as they have brilliant smell and hearing senses, but it sounds like if this worsens it could get very painful, which I doubt you would want him to go through .

You could try making his home more comfortable for him, with everything in easy reach of his nest, without having to climb platforms or anything to reach water or food, if he isn't feeling so sprightly. Perhaps offering extra bedding will give him the offer of keeping cosier if he wants to. If he is struggling to eat, softer foods like baby food and porridge are really popular with hamsters of all ages, but easy to eat. There is a list of unsafe foods here - Safe and Unsafe Food and Plants - Hamster Central WIKI, so you can check ingredients if you need to, as well as safe treats you can offer.

He sounds like a very loved little chap, especially if you are asking advice on how to keep him comfortable in his hamster-OAP years. Best wishes to you both.

[Lynternette]

Hello Lacy. I hope your little guy is feeling better today. It sounds as if you're doing a marvellous job. Its a great comfort for him just to know you are there.