Testicles or growth ?

[Maz]

Diabetes isn't an issue with Syrian hamsters Just with russian dwarf hamsters and chinese hamsters. So yes he can have banana and fruit. It's very unusual to hear a suggestion to put the antibiotics in their water - although vets do sometimes recommend things we wouldn't normally do! Generally people don't put things in the water as it can put them off drinking, and also getting the full dose of the antibiotic is really important. The Metacam is less crucial if they don't get the full dose. If you have some runny honey he may take the antibiotic from the syringe, then you'll know he's got the full dose.

 

[elusive]

Nothing much to add to what’s been said but just wanted to say I hope the meds work & he’s better soon.
It’s great to hear that your son is doing his research too, as Maz said diabetes isn’t an issue but it’s great that he’s trying to learn about his ham.

 

[Cookie20]

Diabetes isn't an issue with Syrian hamsters Just with russian dwarf hamsters and chinese hamsters. So yes he can have banana and fruit. It's very unusual to hear a suggestion to put the antibiotics in their water - although vets do sometimes recommend things we wouldn't normally do! Generally people don't put things in the water as it can put them off drinking, and also getting the full dose of the antibiotic is really important. The Metacam is less crucial if they don't get the full dose. If you have some runny honey he may take the antibiotic from the syringe, then you'll know he's got the full dose.

He’s had most of his water over night but I did think it sounded potentially problematic putting in the water as couldn’t guarantee how much he had. I’m going to try it on some banana for todays dose.

 

[Zara]

Hi and welcome to the forum, I’m sorry to hear your new hamster is not so well. I used banana to pop antibiotic’s onto for our Syrian and it worked well. Has your son chosen a name for your hamster, it‘s great that he’s been doing some research. Your hamster looks quite happy being held, so guessing he’s settling in well

 

[Cookie20]

Hi and welcome to the forum, I’m sorry to hear your new hamster is not so well. I used banana to pop antibiotic’s onto for our Syrian and it worked well. Has your son chosen a name for your hamster, it‘s great that he’s been doing some research. Your hamster looks quite happy being held, so guessing he’s settling in well

Thank you. Yes he has called him Cookie. He was very timid at first and it’s been a very gradual process getting him used to us to the point that he will let us pick him up. It’s helped that he has never bitten though as my son was quite nervous about that.

 

[Maz]

Syrian hamsters don't bite generally If they do it's usually because they are scared - eg if being held too tight - or in pain - for example with an older hamster. Very occasionally they can give a very gentle half nip (doesn't hurt) just to let you know they don't like something. Eg being held up in the air! Which isn't a good idea anyway. They really are quite gentle things. I think we're always nervous they might bite at first when they're so skitty.

 

[Cookie20]

Very relieved tonight to see that the lump is quite a lot smaller! Feel a lot more hopeful he is on the mend now!
He didn’t like the banana unfortunately. He licked it then decided I had tried to poison him so abandoned it

 

[RainbowBrite]

What a wonderful update! So happy to hear the lump is smaller already. You made me laugh describing his reaction to the banana.

 

[Steve]

That's great news, I'm very glad to hear the poor little fella he is on the mend. I'm with RainbowBrite on the reaction to the banana, that's very funny.

 

[Maz]

I can just imagine the reaction He could maybe taste the baytril in it? It's good news the lump is a lot smaller - has the black area shrunk at all?

 

[Cookie20]

I can just imagine the reaction He could maybe taste the baytril in it? It's good news the lump is a lot smaller - has the black area shrunk at all?

Yes I think he must have been able to taste it! I’ll try and post a photo- as the black area is now closer to his fur it’s tricky to make out though.

 

[Maz]

I'm wondering if it's just his testicle has retracted back inside? I hope the black part shrinks and heals up - I think that's the bit to keep an eye on but it does sound like it's less inflamed.

Yes banana maybe isn't enough to disguise the taste of baytril. Meaty dog food does though Or even maybe a bit of corned beef. Not something you would normally give regularly but a pea sized amount with meds mixed in is ok for a short time.

 

[Daisy]

Yes, I think the testicle has just retracted and you only see the black bit now. I wonder if maybe he managed to injure himself there somehow and the black thing is a nasty wound? If so the antibiotics and anti-inflammatories would help. Does it smell odd at all?

 

[Maz]

That's a good point. Is there anything in the cage he could have caught himself on? It might be an idea to check. Some of these bark wood houses are made with nails that can protrude sometimes. Although it sounds like your son has done his research carefully

 

[Cookie20]

The vet asked if we were keeping him with another hamster that could have injured him so maybe he was thinking the same. Cookie lives in a pawhut cage. I hope it’s nothing from that has injured him. We choose it for the size.

 

[Cookie20]

Yes, I think the testicle has just retracted and you only see the black bit now. I wonder if maybe he managed to injure himself there somehow and the black thing is a nasty wound? If so the antibiotics and anti-inflammatories would help. Does it smell odd at all?

No smell no but the black bit does look scabby. I’m hoping that means it’s healing .

 

[elusive]

The cage should be ok unless he’s chewed somthing somewhere & made some sharp bits, it’s more often items in the cage that can sometimes cause injury, wooden things can sometimes have sharp bits, any plastic that gets chewed can be sharp & needs to be removed, it can even be that an entrance hole to something is too small & they catch themselves on it, or small gaps between things they squeeze through.
It may not be the case with Cookie but it’s always worth having a good check around the cage just in case.

 

[Cookie20]

The cage should be ok unless he’s chewed somthing somewhere & made some sharp bits, it’s more often items in the cage that can sometimes cause injury, wooden things can sometimes have sharp bits, any plastic that gets chewed can be sharp & needs to be removed, it can even be that an entrance hole to something is too small & they catch themselves on it, or small gaps between things they squeeze through.
It may not be the case with Cookie but it’s always worth having a good check around the cage just in case.

Ok thank you. I will have a good look through his cage this weekend and check everything over.

 

[Maz]

I would check for signs of chewing the cage as well The pawhut is a lovely big cage, but some hamsters have chewed their way out - I believe at the floor or joints between the floor and sides. Hopefully he won't chew that part. If he does, chew a hole, there are ways of strengthening it. They can have splintery bits. Some people paint them with pet safe waterproofing paint inside, which helps seal any rough parts as well. But don't worry if you didn't and he's settled in now.

Fingers crossed it heals up and the scab drops off! The anti inflammatory meds are also pain relief so that will help as it must be sore for him. They are very good at hiding signs of pain or illness, being prey animals.

Do you have a photo of the cage and contents - we might be able to spot something! Sometimes bendy stick bridges can have sharp bits on.

 

[Cookie20]

I would check for signs of chewing the cage as well The pawhut is a lovely big cage, but some hamsters have chewed their way out - I believe at the floor or joints between the floor and sides. Hopefully he won't chew that part. If he does, chew a hole, there are ways of strengthening it. They can have splintery bits. Some people paint them with pet safe waterproofing paint inside, which helps seal any rough parts as well. But don't worry if you didn't and he's settled in now.

Fingers crossed it heals up and the scab drops off! The anti inflammatory meds are also pain relief so that will help as it must be sore for him. They are very good at hiding signs of pain or illness, being prey animals.

Do you have a photo of the cage and contents - we might be able to spot something! Sometimes bendy stick bridges can have sharp bits on.

I’ve had a quick look around the cage and can’t see anything that could have injured him. Will have a closer look at weekend and examine everything closely. Will get a photo of the set up too.
The cage is not painted but I did sandpaper any rough bits.
Scabby bit smaller and looks dryer- hard to get a photo now it’s not sticking out.