My hamster has a tumor and lost fur. Is it cancer? Will fur regrow?

I would need to see it to confirm but it is probably a tumor, in hamsters these tumors are usually malignant and not treatable, surgery is a possibility but it would personally not recommend it. other than that there is very little that can be done, if the lump ulcerates then antibiotic treatment can be attempted to treat the secondary infection.

Unfortunately you are correct in assuming this is probably a cancerous mass, especially if it has grown quickly. Keep in mind that the life span of a hamsters is only about 2-3 years. This may help in your decision making process. If you are unwilling or unable to have surgery performed to remove it then just keep Crackers as comfortable as possible. If her energy level and appetite decrease then you would have to consider that the cancer is likely spreading. I hope this helps. Best of luck.

I am so very sorry to hear of your concern for Snoopy. It is difficult for us to say without being able to palpate/feel the area. A tumor or cancer is possible but we could also possibly have an abscess or wound here- if he had somehow injured himself on his cage or if he is with another hamster who injured him. I think it is worth bringing Snoopy to a vet if you are able for an exam.

Your hamster, by now, is a very old hamster and practically at the late stage of his life. You need to weigh up how his recovery from the first surgery was and how long it took. It may be more humane to not put him through surgery again and let him live his last months of life as well as possible, There is pain medicine that can be given for a while if you think he is in pain. Finally, once he stops eating and/or you feel he is suffering, you can give him the best gift by euthanasia to stop his suffering. Should you have the tumor removed, it very likely will come back again, and it is also not a given that he makes it through anesthesia. I am sorry about the situation, you are taking good care of your baby and diseases like this always are traumatic to the animal as well as the owner.

Hello. Unfortunately, cancer in a 2 year old hamster is very common. If it smells , it means the tumor has probably outgrown its blood supply & the tissues are beginning to die. Unless you have the tumor removed, the kindest thing to do is euthanize Poppy. This will not get better on its own & will just continue to fester & smell worse. Poisons will get into her system making her sicker & sicker. I am so sorry, but this is a common thing to happen with hamsters. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi, sorry to hear about Stitch. From the pictures I can see small lumps on his body. Due to his age, I have a feeling these are tumors. Dwarf hamsters only live to be about two years old. Removing the tumors at his age would not help him. I think he is over grooming himself due to the tumors. I am sorry to say this, but I believe he may be at the end of his life and there is not much to help him. Taking him to an exotic vet can confirm this. I would also examine him carefully for mites and clean all of his cage and replace the bedding to see if that helps. A soft bedding made from recycled paper can make him more comfortable. Also, you can feed some some extra fruit and veggies to keep him eating. Good luck, I hope this helps!