Anyone who has had experience with cancer – either with themselves, their loved ones, or their pets – can tell you what a horrible disease it is. Unfortunately, even something as small and cute as a hamster isn’t immune to it, either. Hamsters typically have an average lifespan of two to three years, but a tumor can shorten it.
If your hamster has an inoperable tumor, she typically has about two to three months until she dies. This, however, can vary according to the tumor type, location, your hamster’s age, and how healthy your hamster is despite the tumor. Your vet is better-placed to give you an accurate prognosis.
This article will discuss hamster tumors in-depth and will outline how long a hamster can survive with a tumor. Keep reading to learn more.
Determining if Your Hamster Has a Tumor
One of the telltale signs of a hamster tumor is a lump. Lumps, however, can be due to multiple causes, including tumors, abscesses, injuries, and swollen tissue.
Many hamster tumors occur in the abdominal area, but they can be anywhere in the body.
Before assuming that your hamster’s lump is a tumor, it’s worth taking your pet to the vet. After examining your hamster, performing x-rays, and possibly taking a biopsy, your vet will advise you if the lump is a tumor or not.
If you’ve made an appointment to see your vet regarding your hamster’s tumor, below are a few things you can check in the meantime:
- Tumor location: Lymphoma is a common cancer type in hamsters. It manifests as lumps in the belly and swollen lymph glands in the neck and armpits. Lumps around the mammary glands could be a sign of mammary cancer, while wart-like lumps anywhere on the skin could be due to trichoepitheliomas, skin irritation caused by a virus.
- Tumor color: Hamster owners often mistakenly believe their hamster has a tumor when it’s an abscess. Hamster abscesses are typically red or dark pink, feel warm when touched, and drain fluid. Abscesses are not cancerous and are due to inflammation or infection.
- Appetite, thirst, and weight loss: Loss of appetite (and, consequently, weight loss) is a typical sign of a tumor. Increased thirst, however, could indicate an adrenal or thyroid tumor.
- Tumor growth rate: If you’ve been monitoring the growth rate of the lump on your hamster’s skin and have noticed that it’s growing rapidly, the chances are that it’s a tumor. Hamster tumors usually grow very rapidly, and your vet will need to confirm if it’s malignant or benign.
- Droppings appearance: Any deviation from your hamster’s regular bowel movements should be investigated. No droppings or droppings that are bloody or loose could indicate an internal tumor.
- Behavioral changes: If your hamster has been unusually lethargic and hiding away more often, they may be ill or have a tumor. Aggression or biting when being handled could be a sign of pain or sensitivity from a tumor.
Remember that the above information is a guide only and doesn’t replace advice from your vet.
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Types of Hamster Tumors
Tumors are abnormal cell growth in an organ or tissue, resulting