Hamsters often get diseases because they have a delicate immune system.
They often get tumors too, but luckily 96% of the tumors are benign which is not dangerous for their life, and only 4% are malignant which spread and are mostly fatal for the hamsters.
How much does it cost to remove a tumor in hamsters?
The removal of a tumor in hamsters costs about 40 – 300 dollars. The price varies depending on the complexity of the operation, as well as on the veterinarian since not everyone has the same prices.
In today’s article, you will find out how much it costs to remove a tumor in hamsters, whether they are always successfully removed, how to choose a veterinarian for the operation and other similar questions.
How much does it cost to remove a tumor in hamsters?
Depending on the tumor itself, the price for its removal also depends, so it varies between 40 and 300 dollars.
For example, benign tumors are easier to remove, while malignant tumors are more complicated, require more medications and an operation plan, and therefore the operation itself is more expensive.
Sometimes, for the removal of a malignant tumor, the price can be much higher than 300 dollars, which sometimes makes the owners change their minds and give up on their pet’s surgery.
The price for tumor removal in hamsters also depends on the veterinarian, since not all have the same prices, so it is best to ask in several places first to choose the best option.
Of course, you should not always look only at the price, because the experience of veterinarians is not the same, which affects the price of removing the tumor.
How to choose a veterinarian for tumor removal in hamsters?
Finding a good hamster tumor removal vet is very important.
For this purpose, consult with other hamster owners, or with your friends who have had experience with removing a tumor from their hamster.
Here are some tips to help you find an experienced veterinarian:
Talk to your friends – who have had experience removing a tumor from their hamster. This is important because referrals are a great way to find the right vet to remove your hamster’s tumor.
Consult with veterinarians – because not all veterinarians have experience in tumor removal, but therefore know to recommend their colleagues who are more experienced in this type of treatment.
Use the internet – to find out more information about vets, and then talk to them to help you decide who to choose for your hamster.
The importance of finding an experienced veterinarian is critical to successfully removing the tumor and prolonging your pet’s life.
Of course, the price will play a big role in your choice, but always, if you are able, choose the best for the hamster.
What to do when hamsters have a tumor?
When hamsters have a tumor, the most important thing is to react quickly to save your pet. The sooner you take him to the vet, the greater the chances of successful removal of the tumor.
When hamsters have a benign tumor it is not dangerous, but when they have a malignant tumor the speed of diagnosis and removal is of the greatest importance.
Sometimes hamster owners confuse a tumor and an abscess. To know if your pet has a tumor or an abscess, it is enough to press it on the spot, if it hurts, then it is an abscess, while if it does not hurt, then it is a tumor.
Once you take the hamster to the vet, he will determine what kind of tumor it is, and what needs to be done, with clinical analyzes and diagnostics.
Tumors in hamsters are treated in the following ways:
- radiation
- surgery
- chemotherapy
Most often, surgery is used to remove the tumor, except when it is too spread throughout the body, when it may be pointless to operate.
When hamsters have a malignant tumor, the veterinarian may also recommend chemotherapy to destroy the cancerous cells in the hamster’s body.
But in any case, you must immediately take your pet for an examination, and then you will see what the vet says.
Should I get my hamster’s tumor removed?
The tumor in hamsters should be removed especially if it is a malignant tumor, while if it is benign and does not matter to him then it does not have to be removed at all costs.
The vet will suggest removing the tumor to prevent it from expanding and growing larger in the hamster’s body.
Early removal of the tumor in hamsters is crucial for the hamster to continue its life especially if it is a malignant tumor.
Can a hamster survive a tumor?
A hamster with a benign tumor will probably survive and continue to live a normal life without consequences.
But if it is a malignant tumor, chances are high that the hamster will not survive, or if it is too widespread, it probably won’t live for a long time.
When hamsters have a malignant tumor, cancerous cells spread throughout their small body and will cause problems in the body for a short period of time.
Carcinogenic tumors are dangerous because they spread even after surgery, the only salvation for the hamster is timely detection before they spread, which is unlikely.
Are all tumors in hamsters surgically removed?
It depends, after examining the hamster, the veterinarian will decide whether it is necessary to perform an operation or chemotherapy.
If the tumors cannot be completely removed with surgery, the vet will recommend additional chemotherapy or radiation.
The problem is that hamsters have delicate bodies and sometimes cannot withstand chemotherapy or radiation.
Do tumors hurt hamsters?
Although benign tumors are usually not life-threatening for hamsters, sometimes they can be serious for your pet.
If the tumor is benign, but if it is very large, it can cause problems in their movement, primarily if it is located in places like their legs.
If the tumor is in an inconvenient place on the hamster’s body, it can hurt them when they move.
A biopsy is therefore performed to determine the type of cancer and the long-term prognosis for your pet’s future life.
Do hamsters hide their pain when they have a tumor?
Hamsters are very skilled when they need to hide an illness or injury, the same happens with cancer.
Hamsters do not want you to know that they have cancer, and if they are in pain they will hide, because they are afraid that predators will take advantage of their current weakness and attack them.
Realistically speaking, hamsters in domestic conditions will not be attacked by predators, but hamsters have this natural instinct that they cannot forget.
That is why it is necessary to know your pet well and pay attention to its behavior, if you notice something is wrong, you should take it to the vet.
How are tumors removed in hamsters?
Tumors in hamsters are usually removed by surgery.
Hamsters have benign and malignant tumors, but luckily 96% of their tumors are benign, which means that they don’t have to be removed if they don’t matter.
When it comes to malignant tumors then a complex operation is needed for their removal.
Surgery successfully removes tumors in hamsters, except in a situation where the tumor has spread throughout their body, then it can be risky for their life.
If the tumor is too widespread, the veterinarian may also recommend not to do surgery if there is no chance of curing the hamster.
If the operation is successful then the vet will give you further advice on how to care for your hamster at home while it recovers.
Special attention should be paid to the bandage because hamsters can bite it and cause the wound to open and infection to occur.
Once the operation and home care are finished, it is necessary to regularly check the hamster at a veterinarian to prevent it from reappearing.
Read more: What To Do If A Hamster Tumor Burst? Let’s Find Out
What symptoms do hamsters have when they have tumors?
When hamsters have tumors it is enough to observe your pet to know if they have tumors.
Symptoms of a tumor in hamsters are the following:
- diarrhea that can be bloody
- pain in stomach
- decrease in appetite for food
- lethargy
- depression
- weight reduction
- hair loss
- increasing the need for water
If you notice any of the above symptoms, immediately take the hamster to a veterinarian to examine it and see if it is a tumor or some other problem.
This is important because some of these symptoms are characteristic and for other diseases and problems with the health of hamsters, it does not always mean that they have a tumor.
Read more: Testicular Tumors in Hamsters (Symptoms and Treatment)
Can a hamster survive a cyst?
Hamsters can survive a cyst, but only if it is detected in time because otherwise they will grow and may burst.
If the cyst bursts then the life of the hamsters can be in danger. Treating polycystic disease can be difficult for your pet.
The best and most effective treatment for ovarian and uterine cysts in hamsters is neutering.
Read more: How Long Can Hamsters Live With a Tumor?(Treatment and Cure)
Conclusion
The cost of removing a tumor in hamsters costs from 40 – 300 dollars, and sometimes the amount can be higher.
Everything depends on the tumor itself, its complexity, and its spread in the hamster’s body.
Veterinarians, depending on the tumor, may set a higher price than $300, which is why some hamster owners refuse surgery.
If you decide to remove the tumor from your hamster, be prepared to properly care for your pet until it recovers.
