3162. A 2-year-old dwarf hamster has a large ear tumour.

Oct 21, 2017

"How long is the hamster's life span?" the father of the 12-year-old daughter had brought the hamster to consult me today.

"Around 2 and a half to 3 years," I replied. "Usually said to be 2.5 years."
"This hamster is 2 years old," he said. "Around 6 months of life. Should she be operated to get the ear tumour removed?"

"6 months of life is equivalent to around 120 months in human age," I explained. "Besides, the hamster is already scratching his large ear tumour. It will become infected and painful. The hamster will stop eating later."

The father permitted the surgery as this is his daughter's pet.
"When the ear tumour is smaller, surgery is easier. Now part of the ear may need to be cut off together with the hamster!"

Pre-op video

  The ear tumour was excised today by Dr Daniel. This ear tumour surgery is a common surgery at Toa Payoh Vets.