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My old hamster's tumor returned. Is another surgery humane?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 2 years and 3 months old male Syrian hamster has surgically removed a large tumor 3 weeks ago which the vet said it might be cancerous and may grow again. Yesterday I can feel a large growth at the same spot. Shall I let him go through another surgery or just let him be and enjoy his old age. I'm in a dilemma and searching the web for an answer or advice. Help!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 13th, 2018

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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