3303. A 2-year-old Syrian Hamster's gigantic neck tumour

Oct 18, 2019 ....gmail.com>	12:10 AM (7 hours ago)
to judy

Hi I have a almost 2 years old Syrian Hamster about 136 gram male, having exactly the same issue in this article. 

http://www.sinpets.com/F6/20110323massive-neck-tumour-syrian-hamster-surgery-toapayohvets.htm

3 weeks ago, I notice a pea like lump on the neck and went to a Vet Clinic. They didn’t managed to extract pus but blood so asked me to monitor. Around 10 days ago I visited the vet again. The vet still couldn’t assess whether is is a lump or tumor. It has grown 5x in size. The vet only gave me antibiotics and painkillers, but now the lump today is more than 20x.

I feel this is tumor. Is it operable for my hamster age? He’s almost 2 years. He’s pretty active but lately not drinking from bottle though still eating lesser and his poo is smaller n dryer. His hair seems whiter and lesser.

Please advise if surgery can help.

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REPLY FROM TOA PAYOH VETS  dated Oct 19, 2019

I am Dr Sing Kong Yuen. Thank you for your email. 

My reply is as follows:

1.  We need to examine the tumour to confirm whether it is operable or not. From your image, it appears to be operable as it is subcutaneous.
It may be a haemangioma (benign) or a haemangiosarcoma (malignant) with large blood vessels from the neck feeding its growth. Histology is the only way to confirm its cell composition.
2. Surgical removal is the only treatment. There are large blood vessels which need to be ligated, if possible.

3. The surgery is high risk as the tumour is gigantic now - the hamster is older. He  may not survive the anaestherric stress of surgery as he is now in poorer health (not eating, less poo).
4. There may be profuse bleeding after removal, leading to death.
5. If you consent to the risks  mentioned, please bring in your hamster for surgery today, Saturday Oct 19, 2019. 

Best wishes.

OPERATION WAS PERFORMED BY DR DANIEL ON SUN OCT 20, 2019. The hamster is OK as at Oct 22, 2019 on phone call. Owner sent a photo.

IMAGES OF SURGERY

Image from the owner sent today Oct 22, 2019. Hamster was brought home on the day
of surgery. The hamster was sleeping.

UPDATE ON NOV 27, 2019
Another fast-growing neck tumour on the right side appeared. It was as large as the one excised from the left side of the neck recently. The cancerous left neck tumour had spread to the right side. No surgery was done. The hamster was given palliative care by the owner. 

Early removal of the tumour when it is 5 mm across may or may not prevent development of cancerous tumour. Hamster owners are advised to seek a hamster vet to get any small tumours excised when they are much smaller.

 

FINAL VIDEO:

THIS BLOG: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u96Y4UTEBo

 

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IMAGES OF PREVIOUS CASE STUDY DONE BY DR SING KONG YUEN IN 2011, as mentioned in the email

Neck tumour has been excised

Large neck tumour excised