</3 Heartbroken...

cowgirlskipper · 11-08-2014, 11:46 PM

Today I got Necco (male syrian ham, somewhere near two years of age) out for the nightly playtime, and was devestated to find a rather prominant lump on his man parts. You guys might have seen my other thread about his being particularly swollen and hard. Someone suggested cancer or a cyst- but I thought 'no, it couldn't be, there isn't a lump.' But here's one now, and its obviously not part of the original "down there." I really don't want to lose him, its been so long since I've had a hamster pass. And I was hoping that it wouldn't be from an illness or accident, since out of the past five hams that have died, none of them have passed peacefully.

It doesn't seem like he's in a ton of discomfort, but if I thought he was having problems pooing before, his problems have manifested. The lump is the shape and size of a very large pea, and its right next to his anus. Poor little man

Is there anything I can do to make life easier for him? Should I remove his wheel? He doesn't seem to use it very often anymore, and had already debated taking it out beforehand. If it comes to where he can't eat solids, I have a full bag of critical care at the ready, even though I know it wouldn't save him. We could get access to a vet if he needed help passing on- but I just can't bear to think of that right now. Any advice?

cypher · 11-09-2014, 12:18 AM

I'm really sorry to hear Necco isn't well, it's hard to tell what may be the problem but I really think it would be worth getting the vet to check him out just to see if there is something that can be done to help with the problem & if not, I hope that's not the case, maybe they could give you some advice on how best to help him so he can at least be comfortable now.

cowgirlskipper · 11-09-2014, 07:17 AM

The only problem, unfortunateley, is that there are absolutely no vets around here that treat hamsters. We've asked my current vet for advice on where to go for them, and we've done our own research, but there is nowhere to go, unless we travel to the next state which really can't happen. She did however offer that if they ever happened to be in to much pain, that she could, you know, help them along. I think I'll be able to know when its his time and if he's suffering, so I can at least give him that final gift, but it just is tearing my heart to pieces.

Skeever · 11-09-2014, 08:47 AM

I had a similar feeling after watching two rats die of 'natural' causes in convulsions...I thought if they died like this (someone assured me they did, which was an urban myth) I couldn't really have another one. But its not a given that rodents don't pass peacefully.

Still, seems like with tumors and the like , at an advanced age, there is little you can do except know the right PTS moment and follow through, no matter how tough it is to do that. In the meantime, keeping him warm, fed, cuddled, loved and happy is the best Rx. If he's behaving normally at the moment, he still's got some time it seems.

I'd go ahead and remove the wheel if he's not using it, since it may be irritating to a lump if he uses it at all now.

cypher · 11-09-2014, 10:21 AM

If you don't have the option of a vet then you can only do your best for him which I'm sure you are doing, I can understand how heartbreaking it must be, if you do have to make the decision to pts, even when you know it's the right decision it is very hard I know from my own experience so my thoughts are with you at such a hard time. Meanwhile I'm sure he'll appreciate all the love & care you are giving him.

Pebbles82 · 11-09-2014, 10:58 AM

Hi. Is the lump red, like an inflammation - I'm just wondering if it is an anal gland abscess with you saying it is right near his anus. I know dogs get blocked anal glands quite easily, and the article below explains about them in hamsters. I know you say your vets don't treat hamsters, but some conditions are kind of generic and they should know the difference between an abscess and a tumour or cyst. I'm an ex nurse so know a bit about different kinds of lumps. I think you would be able to tell if it was infected (ie an abscess) it would probably be hotter than normal body temperature. Sometimes it helps if something can be diagnosed, to know what to do and how to react.

A cyst and a tumour can be very similar but also different sometimes. If it is not inflamed (ie you don't think it is an abscess) is it 'squidgy' and moves about if you press it lightly, or is it rock hard? If you don't think it is an abscess, then I would just think positive - it could be a harmless cyst, and if it is not bothering him and he seems fine otherwise then maybe he can just carry on without any difficulties. If you thinking he is suffering in any way though, or can't pass poos at all then it may be better to do the kind thing.

The article I mentioned is about abscesses - they can be lanced by a vet and then it will just drain. But you shouldn't try and do this yourself or he could get blood poisoning. That's why I was saying it would be good for a vet to at least diagnose it so you can decide what to do.

So if it was me I would

a) decide whether or not I think it is infected - ie red, hot or tender or if the hamster seems in pain with it. If you don't think it is that, then just let him carry on unless he is suffering in any way.

b) if you are really not sure whether it is infected or a cyst, I would ring one of those vets and say 'look I know you don't treat hamsters, but I just want some advice or a diagnosis as to whether this is an abscess or a cyst/tumour, so I know how best to care for him.' They may just say, bring him in. They would be able to tell and if it is something that needs lancing just tell them to lance it whether they are hamster experts or not!

Incidentally the article is from a vet website and there is the option to ask a question online at the bottom of the page, but I don't think anyone could diagnose without seeing it.

http://www.netvet.co.uk/hamsters/lumps-abscesses.htm

Purdy Bear · 11-09-2014, 12:45 PM

Check your local Wildlife rescue, Zoo or the like, they often have visitng vets or vet nurses that know about various animals of different sizes. If you don't have one of those try the local rescue centres as they will have a vet who comes in once or twice a week. I know a lot of vets don't do small animals but you may just strike it lucky. If all else fails put it on twitter and facebook, you never know you may have a local expert just waiting for a call.

cowgirlskipper · 11-09-2014, 04:07 PM

Thank you guys for all your help.

@Serendipity- The lump isn't red, although it is his normal skin color with some black spots on it, but he's always had those spots, and so does my other male ham. Its super hard, almost like its attached, its not easily movable. I might be able to ring my vet up about it, but I'm not sure how my parents will see it as we have had enormous vet bills recently for our guinea pigs

I might be on my own-but I don't see how I would be able to get him over there without them knowing. Although....hmm. I am going on vacation in a week and my grandparents will be watching over him-maybe they could somehow take him? I don't know. They go to the same vet as us, so it wouldn't be to much of a hassle. The huge problem is my parents. Thanks for the site reference, I'll check it out.

@Purdy- Thanks. I'll try the facebook page.

Pebbles82 · 11-10-2014, 03:41 PM

Ok - I am guessing it isn't hot then if it isn't red, so doesn't sound like an abscess so it isn't likely to burst. Yes it can be nerve racking asking parents to fork out for another vet visit if you have just had things like that recently, but these things happen. If he is able to poo ok then maybe you could keep an eye on him for a few days. If he is having problems pooing, then bring up the subject with your parents - just say you are sorry to ask for more funding for a vet but you don't want him to suffer and need to know what to do. Maybe you could offer to do some extra chores or something.

I once took a dog to the vet with a huge lump on its ear and it turned out to just be a giant blood-sucking tick! I believe hammies don't handle anaesthetic well - my last one didn't, so it may be a case of him just living with the lump, if it isn't an infection, as long as he can eat drink and poo. Hope he is doing ok.

cowgirlskipper · 11-10-2014, 10:16 PM

He seems to be eating, so that means it has to be coming out the other end! I'll try to wear down the parents. Thankfully, the lump hasn't gotten better. I'm trying not to disturb him too much, except for a once a day checking and food/water. Should he be okay if I did a total cage clean do you think? Also, we are getting new windows on Wednesday, what are some tips for keeping hams calm when strangers come banging around in their turf? Thanks for all your help.