Accepted Answer

Hello and thanks for researching this very important question.

Wow--two years is pretty elderly for this variety of Hamster, so you've done extremely well so far. It would be hard to guess if she is dropping weight due to an old-age condition, or as a result of the tumor's need for nutrients (or some combination of both).

Rodents can develop many kinds of tumor types...the benign types can remain slowly growing in one place for quite a while. Malignant tumors ordinarily spread rapidly into the body cavity.

Unfortunately, even though this growth sounds pretty tame in itself, the potential for it causing her demise indirectly are high. Tumors growing in or against the skin can eventually break the skin and open the skin and blood to bacterial and fungal agents.

A slight split in the skin can be doctored at home with an occasional dab of betadyne...she should be held and distracted until it dries.

Otherwise keeping her cage clean and in a warm location (75-80F degrees, but out of direct sunlight) would be what she requires most.

I'm not the biggest fan of having this type of situation evaluated at a veterinary office, since the entire process is pretty stressful for an elderly and potentially ill Hammie...stress is known to adversely affect the immune system and could inadvertently weaken her further. Antibiotics are a stop-gap measure at this point (and can damage her digestive organs), and surgery is not realistic at her age and size.

Good food, clean bedding, a warm environment and your devotion should be given in unlimited supply!

If you need additional support at this time, please "Reply", otherwise I thank you in advance for your "Accept".

Expert:	Gen B.
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	11/5/2009

Retired Veterinary Technician

Dog, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Gerbil breeder / Reptile Keeper / Bunny-Ferret-Exotic Specialist