Hammy

[Zara]

Hi all, I’m a bit behind on all the posts, just trying to catch up.

It’s been an odd weekend for Hams and I, had a call from the vets asking how Hams tail looks and as no change we were asked to pop back in yesterday at 5:30 and saw a vet who is more specialist in small animals and covers at our surgery when our vet is away.

However, he took one look at Hams tail and listened to the background of how I found it April time and he says it’s a lump, benign, but will keep growing. He said there is not much I can do, leave it and watch it grow, hopefully not too big? Or have Hams sedated and they cut it out.

I‘ve got to have a think about it and contact them next week. I’m confused to be honest. As he seems so well, do I have it done but risk potentially losing him during the op or do I just go for it before it grows large and he becomes uncomfortable with it perhaps. I know I shouldn’t compare, but Lilly has done so well wt her op, perhaps I just have it done. This isn’t an intrusive op, it’s literally on the top of his tail.

Needless to say he didn’t come out last night as was annoyed wt me and he’s not shown himself tonight either. I’m officially in the bad books…..oops

 

[Maz]

These are always difficult decisions and there isn't always a right or wrong answer. How old is Hams now? For any surgery the hamster's age and condition needs to be taken into consideration.

 

[Zara]

These are always difficult decisions and there isn't always a right or wrong answer. How old is Hams now? For any surgery the hamster's age and condition needs to be taken into consideration.

He’s 20 months and was weighed at 119g which is a good weight for his overall size I believe, as he’s quite a long/big Syrian. He’s in good health as far as I can tell.

The vet said he could well live to 3 or 4 yrs which threw my confidence a bit as I didn’t think many lived past 2.5yrs and at that point I’d asked if it would be wiser to leave it due to him nearly being 2 and then I felt mean to not go ahead based on his age, but again I think it’s more me worrying as he’s totally himself at the moment, I‘d be heartbroken to have it done and lose him whereas he could live on with it for many more months, if he was poorly with it I’d just do it to see if I could save him, if that makes sense. Then again better to do it whilst he is strong I guess in case it does make him poorly down the line. I’m meeting my niece tomorrow who keeps hamsters for her thoughts.

 

[Maz]

I had surgery done on a healthy males syrian at 21 months, so it's more about health and condition, but also prognosis. It's quite rare for a hamster to live till 3 or 4 so I can understand why that shook your confidence.

Is it possible to get another vet opinion? It can help to have a second opinion. If there's an exotic vet in your area. I can't quite imagine how a lump would be removed from a tail which is a small area of the hamster.

 

[Zara]

I had surgery done on a healthy males syrian at 21 months, so it's more about health and condition, but also prognosis. It's quite rare for a hamster to live till 3 or 4 so I can understand why that shook your confidence.

Is it possible to get another vet opinion? It can help to have a second opinion. If there's an exotic vet in your area. I can't quite imagine how a lump would be removed from a tail which is a small area of the hamster.

Thanks Maz, Yes, it’s a longer drive to the exotic vet but I think I’ll call them tomorrow and see what they say.

 

[Member ID2]

Hmm, i'd get a second opinion.

The reason Lilly had a lump removed was because it was a red, painful and angry looking lump that made Lilly feel ill.

Clarissa's lump was on her throat and grew fast so had to be removed but she died.

Otto had a small lump on his back since he moved in which doesn't grow and doesn't bother him so i'll leave it well alone.

A lump on a tail that is benign and doesn't bother a 20 months old hamster is something i'd probably observe to see how fast it grows before considering surgery. Hams had it since April and how fast has it grown since and why did the other vet not see the lump is what i'd be asking myself as well.

 

[elusive]

Sorry to hear you’re now faced with a difficult decision with no right or wrong answer really, I think I would tend to go for having it done now as he is still healthy & strong, it sounds like it would be fairly minor surgery & not invasive so he should come through that well. I know there is always some risk but that risk would probably be less now than later.
If it’s scabbing over and not healing there could always be a risk of infection complicating things so that might be something to consider too.

 

[Frida]

Sorry to hear about Hams. If I was you I would get a second opinion.

 

[Zara]

Hmm, i'd get a second opinion.

The reason Lilly had a lump removed was because it was a red, painful and angry looking lump that made Lilly feel ill.

Clarissa's lump was on her throat and grew fast so had to be removed but she died.

Otto had a small lump on his back since he moved in which doesn't grow and doesn't bother him so i'll leave it well alone.

A lump on a tail that is benign and doesn't bother a 20 months old hamster is something i'd probably observe to see how fast it grows before considering surgery. Hams had it since April and how fast has it grown since and why did the other vet not see the lump is what i'd be asking myself as well.

Thanks Beryl, appreciate the information on Otto, Clarissa and Lilly, I keep thinking of Lilly, as she’s done so well post op.

I’m thinking I may wait another month, maybe two and check on growth size before I make a decision. Then if it’s growing larger or just quicker, I have it removed whilst he’s still fit and healthy.

I don’t know why the other vet didn’t consider it to be a lump and thought it just a scab that would fall off eventually Hams was very wiggly on both visits, maybe neither of them really got a good look. The vet last Saturday seemed to immediately say it was a lump and needed cutting out (but it felt like he hadn’t looked long enough).

I think I need to research other vets in the area as several say exotic, but have no website details regarding small animals? and they are much longer drives.

 

[RainbowBrite]

I am sorry to hear this. I can understand what a worry it is for you.

When I was looking for a vet, I emailed them to ask if they treat hamsters. Perhaps that may be an option or if you call them it may be even quicker.

 

[Zara]

I am sorry to hear this. I can understand what a worry it is for you.

When I was looking for a vet, I emailed them to ask if they treat hamsters. Perhaps that may be an option or if you call them it may be even quicker.

Thanks Rainbow, the local vets I’ve used did umm and arr a bit when I originally called, then say they’d ask the vet, then came back to the phone and said yes they’ll see him. Guess as they are very close I just thought it would be less stressful for us both.

Good idea to ring several others, maybe one will sound more confident to see a hamster.

 

[Maz]

I think if you find an exotic vet and get another opinion and they recommend surgery, then that is probably rhe way to go. I would only use an exotic vet for surgery anyway normally and they are likely to have a very good success rate with anaesthetic recovery too. That's what reassured me - my vet had never lost a hamster to anaesthesia.

I think if you wait a month then it may be too late for surgery and it's better to do it earlier if it needs doing. Even if it's a benign lump, they can become malignant and spread in the system.

 

[Roza]

I’ve read through this whole thread whilst Davy was doing zoomies in the playroom. I’m so sorry to hear about Hams, he is such a lovely little boy. I hope you manage to come to the right decision, I am sure that he will be fine x

 

[Zara]

I’m away this week and only just managed a quick login and read.

Had a scare last night, OH messaged me and said is it Hams cage clean day tomorrow errrrrrr no! No day is a cage clean day! Only a little tidy to the potty area and pick up any old bits of food laying about. I left good instructions too. . Luckily my son stepped in and said don’t worry mum, I’ve got it sorted we won’t touch anything. Just fresh food in and any old bits out until you return, we won’t touch Hams nests or hoards……. Phew! Just as well someone was listening

 

[RainbowBrite]

It is so lovely your son understands how to care for Hams.

I hope you have a lovely holiday.

 

[Member ID2]

Glad your son is clued up and understands the importance of nest and hoards.

I suppose your OH was only trying to be helpful....

 

[Maz]

I was thinking maybe OH just used the wrong terminology . “Cage clean” to him may have meant the spot clean . Good your son was reassuring.

 

[Maz]

But I hear you with the “selective listening!”

 

[Zara]

Yes, think this was a bit of mishearing wt selective hearing thrown into the mix too. No harm done, but it was one of the quickest phone calls I’ve made . After not coming out and hiding the first two nights, Hams ventured out to them for a free roam last night.

 

[Member ID2]

Hams really is your hamster and has bonded with you.
I can't remember, was he originally bought for your children or as a family pet or was it you who wanted a hamster?
I do remember that he travelled home inside your handbag.