Finding out that your hamster has a tumor is a tough situation for any owner. And to add on the cost of the medical procedure can make a tough situation even tougher, but this article is meant to help resolve some of the unknowns when it comes to hamster tumors.
In the following article, we’ll cover what to do when you suspect your hamster has a tumor, how much the procedure generally costs, and how to find a veterinarian that removes tumors.
We can’t change your hamster’s health, but we can help shed light on the situation by providing the relevant information you’re looking for to move forward. So with that said, let’s jump right into the table of contents and then the first section of what you should do if you discover your hamster has a tumor.
What should I do if my hamster has a tumor?
If your hamster has a tumor, the most important thing to do is consult a veterinarian immediately. If the tumor poses a serious health risk, the vet can provide the proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Tumors can be life threatening for any animal, but the most important thing is that it’s detected and diagnosed early.
There are essentially two types of tumors, malignant and benign. The former malignant is the harmful type that can pose serious risks to your hamster’s health, while benign tumors are essentially harmless. And it’s impossible to know the type without consulting with a trained veterinarian.
And the longer a tumor goes undetected, the more it can spread and lead to disastrous health effects. That’s why early detection is so important because it can be treated before it gets out of hand.
Treatment for hamster tumors may vary and your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate treatment, but here are few:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
Surgery is the most common treatment since it can be used to resolve both malignant and benign tumors, as well as other issues such as abscesses. However, surgery is not always possible or recommended if the tumor is in an inaccessible location or your hamster is older.
If the tumor is malignant you are likely looking at surgery plus radiation and chemotherapy to prevent further spread of any cancerous cells.
There are treatments for tumors in hamsters, but the single most important thing you should do is take your furry friend to the veterinarian as soon as you suspect a tumor so they can diagnose the tumor and recommend an appropriate course of action.
Can hamster tumors be removed?
Yes, hamster tumors can be removed typically with surgery. This is typically done with both benign and malignant tumors, however the latter may require a more complex operation or additional procedures, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
While tumors can be removed via surgery, that may not be the most appropriate course of action in your circumstance. That’s why it’s always important to consult with a veterinarian before deciding on any medical procedure, including hamster vaccinations.
Surgery is a fairly safe option for most tumor removal cases, however in some instances it may not be recommended. These can include instances where the tumor is an inaccessible or difficult spot, your hamster is too old for surgery, or any other situation where the risks outweigh the benefits.
If it is decided to remove the tumor via surgery, your hamster will require lots of monitoring and follow-up to prevent any infection or other serious health risks. Hamsters love to bite at their bandages, which can reopen the wound and lead to infection. It’s also important to ensure the tumor doesn’t return, so regular trips back to the veterinarian are generally recommended.
How much does it cost to remove a hamster’s tumor?
Hamster tumor removal can cost anywhere between $50 and $200 depending on the veterinarian, whether the tumor is benign or malignant and gravity of the situation.
Tumor removal essentially falls into two buckets as we discussed earlier: benign and malignant. Depending on the size, benign tumors are relatively harmless and generally much cheaper to remove since it only requires a simple surgical procedure.
Malignant tumors can be much more costly because there are more tests, treatment plans, medication, and post-op care that needs to be taken into consideration. While $100 to remove a benign tumor doesn’t seem too bad, the costs to remove a malignant tumor can balloon to thousands of dollars.
The other factor to consider is your veterinarian. Ultimately veterinarians aren’t beholden to standard pricing like regular doctors who work with insurance companies, so the cost can vary. Some vets may charge more for their experience or reputation, so if price is a key factor, it may be worth shopping around and seeing what the cost will be at a few different places.
A hamster’s tumor can be removed and generally cost between $50 and $200, but the cost will ultimately vary whether the tumor is benign or malignant, the veterinarian’s prices, and the severity of the situation.
How to find a vet that does hamster tumor removals?
To find a vet that does hamster tumor removals, the quickest ways are to search Google, ask friends and family who own hamsters, or consult your existing veterinarian for referrals.
Time needed: 30 minutes
It may seem like a daunting task to find a veterinarian that does hamster tumor removals, but if you follow the steps below you should be able to find the right vet in a single morning:
- Search Google
The first thing you can do at home by yourself is to search Google. All you need to do is search for “veterinarian hamster tumor removal near me” and you’ll be presented with a list of relevant vets.
However, while Google does it’s best to read a veterinarian’s website for relevant services, it’s not always accurate. So compile an initial list and then follow up with each office to confirm that they do perform tumor removals on hamsters. - Ask friends and family who own hamsters
The next easiest method is to ask friends and family members who own pets or hamsters for their vets information. Check out their website to see if it says anything about medical procedures for hamsters and call to confirm.
Referrals are a great way to find a vet that may not show up in your standard Google search. - Ask your current veterinarian for referrals
If your existing veterinarian doesn’t remove hamster tumors, they likely know someone who does. These types of referrals are very common for vets to provide and they know their network and the area vets better than anyone else, including Google.
This is likely one of your best ways to find a vet that does hamster tumor removals, but sometimes it can be hard to get an appointment to confirm. However, this should be at the top of your list.
Finding a veterinarian who removes tumors is important to taking the next step in getting your hamster the medical care they need. There are many different ways to go about this, but you should always confirm directly with their receptionist that they do in fact remove hamster tumors.
It’s a fairly niche and specific procedure so getting direct confirmation is important before you go any further. Ask about their experience, what goes into the procedure, and how much they charge.
There’s a lot that goes into finding and choosing a veterinarian for your hamster’s tumor removal, but by following the steps above and asking the right questions, you’ll find the perfect vet in no time.
Additional Reading
If you’re interested in reading more about hamster medical conditions, surgery, or more, check out the related articles below:
- Hamster Care – UC Davis
- Hamster Health and Welfare Tips – RSPCA
- How to Care for Your Hamster – PetMD
Conclusion
Knowing that your hamster has a tumor is a tough pill to swallow, but the most important thing you can do is to consult a veterinarian as soon as you suspect something is wrong. Tumors don’t have to be the end for your furry friend because there are medical procedures out there to deal with the condition.
As discussed, the cost of removing a tumor can vary depending on the type of tumor, severity of the situation, price that your veterinarian charges, and more. But often times you can expect to pay around $50 to $200 for a simple removal procedure.
Consult with your veterinarian to get more information and find the best course of action. By following the steps in this article, you’ll be well on your way to helping your furry friend get healthy again.