My year-old hedgehog has a hard lump on its lower stomach. What is it?

It depends on what type of cancer you are talking about. Cancer is a general term. The symptoms vary widely depending on the type of cancer. If you are referring to that lump on the side, yes, it could be cancer but it could also be an abscess (infection) or a cyst. I suggest you have her examined by a vet - it should be easy to distinguish what it is based on an exam and an aspirate of the lump.

Thanks for reaching out about Hubert and including photos. The lump on the skin could be a cyst, abscess or tumor. Not sure if this is part of the anorexia problems or a second problem, but a veterinary visit is recommended. Try wetting the food and offer through a syringe. Try and maintain hydration also, until a veterinary visit is scheduled. Good luck.

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is likely from her mammary gland. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Dahlia evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to say what the lump is without seeing a photo of Poptart. Hamsters can get papillomas (warts) or cancerous masses as well as skin infections. While removal is likely to be one of the best options, you should try to keep the area as clean as possible and look out for any bleeding or ulceration of the growth. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Tummy! Possible causes for a lump are: an abscess, a skin mass, or an internal mass in his belly. If Tummy has lost weight or is having any other change either behaviorally or appetite wise I recommend having him evaluated by your Vet. If the mass and in the skin (not the belly), is soft it is likely an abscess or a cyst. Sine this is a new finding I recommend having him seen by your Vet to be safe. I hope this helps and feel free to post a picture if you think that would help us better. Have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. 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 recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!