Is this a tumour?

[milkshake2]

Milkshake (my 2-year-old syrian) has been aging dramatically since late November. She's been to the vet twice but I didn't think they were very helpful either time.

It started when my parents looked after Milkshake for 3 weeks, which in retrospect was a horrible decision, because when I came home she'd lost almost all her fur and was peeing much more than usual. I assumed it must have been related to stress and the vet prescribed her a mite treatment. Until 2 weeks ago, the fur seemed to be growing back a modest amount and I didn't notice anything different apart from Milkshake spending a lot of time in her burrow. Then 2 weeks ago I notice she has a wound on her shoulder. The vet said it was self-trauma from itching because of her fur growing back. But I'm starting to doubt that. The scab looks slightly raised and Milkshake seems to be getting really slow on her feet. When I take her out of the cage she just squats down in the corner looking tired. Do you think I should just go back to the vet again and hope they're more attentive this time? If it's not a tumour then I'm also worried it's cushing's disease, since the fur loss has revealed a couple of tiny dark specks on her skin (not the scent glands) and most of the other symptoms seem to fit........ Any advice would be appreciated since I don't want my hamster to suffer and I don't know what to do.

[souffle]

I think this looks like Cushing's disease.
I think based on her quality of life and what your heart is telling you it would be a decision made from love to set her free. There is no cure for Cushings and it only gets worse. Once the skin is broken they can't fight off infections. She is already an elderly hamster too and has had a loved life.
I'm sorry she is going through this but I wouldn't put her through anymore treatments. She sounds like she is already uncomfortable. I hope her path is gentle and you can rest easy with any decision you make.

[milkshake2]

Originally Posted by souffle

I think this looks like Cushing's disease.
I think based on her quality of life and what your heart is telling you it would be a decision made from love to set her free. There is no cure for Cushings and it only gets worse. Once the skin is broken they can't fight off infections. She is already an elderly hamster too and has had a loved life.
I'm sorry she is going through this but I wouldn't put her through anymore treatments. She sounds like she is already uncomfortable. I hope her path is gentle and you can rest easy with any decision you make.

Thank you Souffle. I think your advice about euthanasia was spot on as I'd underestimated how bad of a state Milkshake was in. She passed away 3 days after this post on the 17th. I think the biggest regret I have about her care was not taking her to be put down sooner. Really took me off guard how fast a hamster's health can go downhill.

Thanks for the advice again. I did speak to a vet after your suggestion that it was Cushing's, and they agreed, so I'll know the signs to look out for in future (of course, I hope that no future hamsters that I own will get Cushings).