I think my hamster is dying....

butterfly20 Posted: Apr 04, 2003 11:18 PM

I think my hamster is dying....

I know this is the quickest board checked...
I think my hamster is dying.. He recently developed a hard circular lump on his chest on his left side near the front paw....

has anyone has this with their hamster?

Helene718 Posted: Apr 04, 2003 11:21 PM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

I am so sorry. I have never had that happen with a hamster. I have a phone number for a 24 hour emergency clinic if you need it. I don't know if you want to go that far. I actually had to bring my rabbit there on Easter last year! It cost me over $100, but he's ok. Does he seem like he's in pain?

Stacey1403 Posted: Apr 04, 2003 11:24 PM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

Hope it's ok!

butterfly20 Posted: Apr 04, 2003 11:25 PM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

hes been getting old... about 2 years now
and he already slowed up, he never uses his wheel anymore and only wakes up to eat. Fiance doesnt want him to be in pain(we think surgery would be too much for him)

Helene718 Posted: Apr 04, 2003 11:30 PM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

Maybe it's just an infection that can be treated with medication though? I hope he's ok.

Stacey1403 Posted: Apr 04, 2003 11:30 PM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

I hate to tell you this but I think hamsters have a life expectancy of 2 years I might be wrong so maybe look it up on the net, good luck

Valenia Posted: Apr 05, 2003 07:37 AM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

A few years back my dwarf hamster got a lump on his chest. He actually seemed to have recovered from it once, but then got it again. When he started having trouble moving there wasn't much time left. I'm very sorry.

janatlantica Posted: Apr 05, 2003 08:11 AM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

My Rabbit had a hard lump a year ago and I panicked! This sounds nuts, but I kept working the spot (when I sqeezed it, it did not hurt my rabbit) so I kept massaging it and trying to dissapate the thing each day. Eventually it went away and he has been fine for over a year. Maybe it could be like an ingrown hair or a clogged folicle or something. (I know people will think I am a nut after this post!, But maybe try it if the hamster is not in pain.)

smooch Posted: Apr 05, 2003 08:20 AM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

My cat has had several hard lumps over the years. The first time it was on his chest, we rushed him to the vet and had it removed. The second time it was his shoulder blade. The vet said to leave it be, and it went away by itself. Just about a month ago, his paw swelled up to an enormous size. Again, a lump. New vet, and this time he said that my cat has been fighting and the lumps are the result.

Does your hamster have interaction with other animals? Could that be it?

I know the name of an emergency hospital in Coram, opened 24 hours a day. If you are near there and want the number, let me know.

jenny2penny Posted: Apr 05, 2003 09:13 AM

.

butterfly20 Posted: Apr 05, 2003 12:29 PM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

thanks for your help!Im a little more calm today, both of us were in tears last night cause we didnt know what to do... Im going to give him a couple days then go see a vet if it doesnt go away

Kathy116 Posted: Apr 05, 2003 01:25 PM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

My FI is a vet. and he deals with hamsters and exotics I'll FM you with more info.

CatchI22 Posted: Apr 05, 2003 05:59 PM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

2 years really isn't that old for a hamster. My last one lived for 5! I would call the vet on Monday if he is still ill, some will even see a small animal like that and not charge you... try giving him some treats like raisins or grapes and see if that perks him up a bit.

Kathy116 Posted: Apr 05, 2003 06:04 PM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

The average lifespan of a hamster is 2-3 years, you were very lucky to have one that lived to 5. However, that doesn't mean that this one doesn't have something that could possibly be treated.

If your hamster has a lump of some sort, you may want to biopsy it, or just leave it alone and see what happens. I know when my dog had a lump on it's foot, the first thing my FI recommend was hot pack it (this was actually before we even dated, he was my family vet for a few years). However, I don't know about hamsters, I can ask him when he gets home from work.

jennbaby Posted: Apr 05, 2003 08:19 PM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

I hope he is ok

aliasPook Posted: Apr 05, 2003 08:45 PM

Re: I think my hamster is dying....

Central Vet in VS is 24 hours, I can give you the number if you want. You can call them round the clock and they will answer your questions, and alot of times they wil tell you not to bother coming in... Hope he gets better, I had muine for three years, and if weren't for teh fact that my motehr used to overfeed him, he miht had lived longer~!