Lump on gilbert’s ear

[Ann]

His lump is getting worse everyday, i wondering if its papiloma,abses or tumor. Im planning to take him to vet tomorrow. What should i do to make him feel better?

 

[Maz]

I'm sorry Gilbert has this horrible lump. Yes best to get him to the vets - it might be benign, it might be something treatable. Do you have a pet carrier? The main thing is to have him snug in a pet carrier. Ideally one big enough to fit a small house inside and plenty of bedding. If it's not that large then just plenty of bedding in it, plus some strips of torn up plain white toilet paper - he might build a bit of a nest in there. Plus a small scattering of hamster food and a few favourite treats, and a slice of cucumber for hydration. I also find it helps to have a blanket or large cushion cover or something over the pet carrier, when travelling, so it's darker inside, but be careful carrying it like that, so you don't drop it - I hold it top and bottom with the blanket over it to keep it securely held.

When you get to the vets, they can find it a bit stressful being picked up and examined. But hopefully that won't take long and he'll be back in his pet carrier again fairly quickly. He might be a bit skitty for a few days afterwards but they usually settle again fairly soon


Let us know how you get on.

 

[Ann]

The doctor is available on thursday ill update after i go to vet

 

[Socks' Mum]

I hope the lump can be cured, poor Gilbert. I put the carrier into a reusable shopping bag like Sainsbury's sell, a strong one made of thick plastic, not the light weight ones. I put a pet blanket. (or jumpers) Under the carrier in the bag and then a lightweight fleece blanket like a pet blanket over the carrier in the bag. The blanket on top helps to calm the animal as it makes the carrier quiet and dark. I hope all goes well

 

[Vanessa1]

Virtual hugs sent to Gilbert , I hope he'll be ok! Please let us know how he gets on at the vets Ness

 

[Ann]

*UPDATE ON GILBERT*
so i decided to go other vet today. doctor said he should do surgery, im still thinking whether i should do surgery or not because doctor said there is slight possibility he might die after surgery. Because he might be stressed. and if he keep stratching on the wound after surgery it could be worse. and now he’s still eating and drinking as usual. I just feel bad for his ear being so stuffed with such a big lump. It must be really uncomfortable for him. what's your opinion guys? should i do surgery or not. because in the future it can be bigger

 

[Ann]

I hope the lump can be cured, poor Gilbert. I put the carrier into a reusable shopping bag like Sainsbury's sell, a strong one made of thick plastic, not the light weight ones. I put a pet blanket. (or jumpers) Under the carrier in the bag and then a lightweight fleece blanket like a pet blanket over the carrier in the bag. The blanket on top helps to calm the animal as it makes the carrier quiet and dark. I hope all goes well

awh thank you for your tips <3

 

[Ann]

Virtual hugs sent to Gilbert , I hope he'll be ok! Please let us know how he gets on at the vets Ness

*hugs back* thanks for the virtual support ness!

 

[Vanessa1]

*UPDATE ON GILBERT*
so i decided to go other vet today. doctor said he should do surgery, im still thinking whether i should do surgery or not because doctor said there is slight possibility he might die after surgery. Because he might be stressed. and if he keep stratching on the wound after surgery it could be worse. and now he’s still eating and drinking as usual. I just feel bad for his ear being so stuffed with such a big lump. It must be really uncomfortable for him. what's your opinion guys? should i do surgery or not. because in the future it can be bigger

Oh gosh , what a predicament! I honestly don't know what to say!! As I know I wouldn't know what to do either I'm sorry I can't be more help Ness

 

[Hammy Chum]

Oh gosh , what a predicament! I honestly don't know what to say!! As I know I wouldn't know what to do either I'm sorry I can't be more help Ness

Agreed! And I'm not experienced enough to be qualified to answer. But sending huge support to you.

 

[Ann]

Agreed! And I'm not experienced enough to be qualified to answer. But sending huge support to you.

thank you for your support <3 Thankfully, he’s still eating and drinking as usual. I just feel bad for his ear being so stuffed with such a big lump. It must be really uncomfortable for him. its him now

 

[Ann]

Oh gosh , what a predicament! I honestly don't know what to say!! As I know I wouldn't know what to do either I'm sorry I can't be more help Ness

i know right! so the best thing i should do just take care of him for nowi just hope theres some miracle happened and the tumor will magically fell off

 

[Socks' Mum]

The vet should have done a sample to see if it is cancerous. With tumours, it may grow to the point where it has to be removed and dealing with it now could be easier than waiting. It is a worry. Wound after care can be tricky as well, especially with ears. Can you ask for a referral to a vet who specialises in rodents?

 

[Ann]

The vet should have done a sample to see if it is cancerous. With tumours, it may grow to the point where it has to be removed and dealing with it now could be easier than waiting. It is a worry. Wound after care can be tricky as well, especially with ears. Can you ask for a referral to a vet who specialises in rodents?

I agree. The doctor actually said they could take a small sample by making a tiny incision to see what’s inside the lump. But that would be a bit risky because it would hurt Gilbert and could cause him a lot of stress.

The doctor is also worried that if he has a bad experience being handled like that, he might become more difficult to handle or refuse to be handled by the vet in the future, which could make things harder if he needs treatment again.

 

[Maz]

Hi. How old is Gilbert now? I wouldn't worry about the handling aspect. I can see the logic that if it's not removed it could grow bigger and lead to a major welfare issue and it then be too big to operate on. They often don't do a biopsy first for the reasons mentioned. They can do a biopsy after removing the lump to see if it was cancerous or not, but that usually costs extra.

On your other thread it says he is "already one years old more" - so do you think he's over a year old? Was he still a baby when you got him and how long have you had him?

Was it an exotic vet? An exotic vet is also likely to suggest surgery IMO but the difference is they might be more experienced. If it helps, my vet told me that while it's possible for a hamster to die under anaesthetic, it has never happened in the years she has been practising and I think is less of a risk these days than in the past. It is one risk factor though. But sometimes we take that risk to try and prolong a healthy life.

Hamsters usually get over surgery very well - the first week they need to be in a hospital tank ideally and no wheel, and to be kept warm for the first few days as anaesthetic stops their ability to regulate their temperature fully for the first day or 2 and they can get cold easily. But they usually just carry on as normal as soon as they come round Although they also need pain relief for a few days as well as that stops them scratching at the wound.

If you're not sure though, I would get a second opinion from another vet. If this one wasn't an exotic vet you could try googling for exotic vets in your area, but sometimes the nearest one is a long distance and it's not possible. There are still good general vets though.

If he is 18 months to 2 years old it would be something to consider more carefully, as their lifespan is short and with an older hamster the decision can be harder to decide whether to just try and keep them comfortable or risk the anaesthetic. As it's a bigger risk with an older hamster I believe - and in fact some vets wouldn't suggest operating on say a 2 year old hamster, but a lot then depends on the condition of the hamster. However a second opinion can really help sometimes.

 

[Socks' Mum]

Yes, sadly, the age of the little patient is an important factor. A second opinion is a good idea though if you can find a vet who sees hamsters regularly

 

[Ann]

Yes, sadly, the age of the little patient is an important factor. A second opinion is a good idea though if you can find a vet who sees hamsters regularly

Thank you

 

[Ann]

Hi. How old is Gilbert now? I wouldn't worry about the handling aspect. I can see the logic that if it's not removed it could grow bigger and lead to a major welfare issue and it then be too big to operate on. They often don't do a biopsy first for the reasons mentioned. They can do a biopsy after removing the lump to see if it was cancerous or not, but that usually costs extra.

On your other thread it says he is "already one years old more" - so do you think he's over a year old? Was he still a baby when you got him and how long have you had him?

Was it an exotic vet? An exotic vet is also likely to suggest surgery IMO but the difference is they might be more experienced. If it helps, my vet told me that while it's possible for a hamster to die under anaesthetic, it has never happened in the years she has been practising and I think is less of a risk these days than in the past. It is one risk factor though. But sometimes we take that risk to try and prolong a healthy life.

Hamsters usually get over surgery very well - the first week they need to be in a hospital tank ideally and no wheel, and to be kept warm for the first few days as anaesthetic stops their ability to regulate their temperature fully for the first day or 2 and they can get cold easily. But they usually just carry on as normal as soon as they come round Although they also need pain relief for a few days as well as that stops them scratching at the wound.

If you're not sure though, I would get a second opinion from another vet. If this one wasn't an exotic vet you could try googling for exotic vets in your area, but sometimes the nearest one is a long distance and it's not possible. There are still good general vets though.

If he is 18 months to 2 years old it would be something to consider more carefully, as their lifespan is short and with an older hamster the decision can be harder to decide whether to just try and keep them comfortable or risk the anaesthetic. As it's a bigger risk with an older hamster I believe - and in fact some vets wouldn't suggest operating on say a 2 year old hamster, but a lot then depends on the condition of the hamster. However a second opinion can really help sometimes.

He was with me since may 2025. And he was still a baby maybe 2 weeks. So he is already one year mor

Hi. How old is Gilbert now? I wouldn't worry about the handling aspect. I can see the logic that if it's not removed it could grow bigger and lead to a major welfare issue and it then be too big to operate on. They often don't do a biopsy first for the reasons mentioned. They can do a biopsy after removing the lump to see if it was cancerous or not, but that usually costs extra.

On your other thread it says he is "already one years old more" - so do you think he's over a year old? Was he still a baby when you got him and how long have you had him?

Was it an exotic vet? An exotic vet is also likely to suggest surgery IMO but the difference is they might be more experienced. If it helps, my vet told me that while it's possible for a hamster to die under anaesthetic, it has never happened in the years she has been practising and I think is less of a risk these days than in the past. It is one risk factor though. But sometimes we take that risk to try and prolong a healthy life.

Hamsters usually get over surgery very well - the first week they need to be in a hospital tank ideally and no wheel, and to be kept warm for the first few days as anaesthetic stops their ability to regulate their temperature fully for the first day or 2 and they can get cold easily. But they usually just carry on as normal as soon as they come round Although they also need pain relief for a few days as well as that stops them scratching at the wound.

If you're not sure though, I would get a second opinion from another vet. If this one wasn't an exotic vet you could try googling for exotic vets in your area, but sometimes the nearest one is a long distance and it's not possible. There are still good general vets though.

If he is 18 months to 2 years old it would be something to consider more carefully, as their lifespan is short and with an older hamster the decision can be harder to decide whether to just try and keep them comfortable or risk the anaesthetic. As it's a bigger risk with an older hamster I believe - and in fact some vets wouldn't suggest operating on say a 2 year old hamster, but a lot then depends on the condition of the hamster. However a second opinion can really help sometimes.

 

[Maz]

Ok so lets assume he was 6 weeks old when you got him - that is the usual age they are rehomed as babies, unless he was rehomed much earlier. So he would be 6 weeks old in May 2025 (I'll count from the end of May last year) - which should make him approximately 16 months old. If he was 6 weeks old he'd be about 16 months and 2 weeks old now. If he was actually 2 weeks old (which would be TINY! his eyes would only just have opened and they;re not normally weaned until about 3 weeks), then he would be about 15 months and 2 weeks old. So he is over middle age but not quite old. Old age is considered to start from about 18 months onwards.

Which is when general health and "condition" comes into play. If he is an active, healthy hamster, not underweight or any fur issues, then a vet would probably decide he is in good condition for an ear op, which is not quite the same as say abdominal surgery even though it's surgery.

However if I were you I would find a second vet and ask for another opinion before you make any decisions. Explain he's probably about 16 months old, maybe slightly over or under, ask if they can tell if it's something that might be malignant or not (some exotic vets have a very good idea just looking at it even if they can't categorically say). But either way they should suggest various options. Having said that your vet today sounded like he thought it needed surgery and that doesn't surprise me. But unless it's a vet you feel very confident with or have used before and know, I would consider another opinion before deciding. You can still go back to the first vet for the surgery after getting the second opinion!

Do you think it causes him any pain or discomfort at all? Does he scratch at it or does it ever bleed?

 

[Ann]

Hi. How old is Gilbert now? I wouldn't worry about the handling aspect. I can see the logic that if it's not removed it could grow bigger and lead to a major welfare issue and it then be too big to operate on. They often don't do a biopsy first for the reasons mentioned. They can do a biopsy after removing the lump to see if it was cancerous or not, but that usually costs extra.

On your other thread it says he is "already one years old more" - so do you think he's over a year old? Was he still a baby when you got him and how long have you had him?

Was it an exotic vet? An exotic vet is also likely to suggest surgery IMO but the difference is they might be more experienced. If it helps, my vet told me that while it's possible for a hamster to die under anaesthetic, it has never happened in the years she has been practising and I think is less of a risk these days than in the past. It is one risk factor though. But sometimes we take that risk to try and prolong a healthy life.

Hamsters usually get over surgery very well - the first week they need to be in a hospital tank ideally and no wheel, and to be kept warm for the first few days as anaesthetic stops their ability to regulate their temperature fully for the first day or 2 and they can get cold easily. But they usually just carry on as normal as soon as they come round Although they also need pain relief for a few days as well as that stops them scratching at the wound.

If you're not sure though, I would get a second opinion from another vet. If this one wasn't an exotic vet you could try googling for exotic vets in your area, but sometimes the nearest one is a long distance and it's not possible. There are still good general vets though.

If he is 18 months to 2 years old it would be something to consider more carefully, as their lifespan is short and with an older hamster the decision can be harder to decide whether to just try and keep them comfortable or risk the anaesthetic. As it's a bigger risk with an older hamster I believe - and in fact some vets wouldn't suggest operating on say a 2 year old hamster, but a lot then depends on the condition of the hamster. However a second opinion can really help sometimes.

Ok so lets assume he was 6 weeks old when you got him - that is the usual age they are rehomed as babies, unless he was rehomed much earlier. So he would be 6 weeks old in May 2025 (I'll count from the end of May last year) - which should make him approximately 16 months old. If he was 6 weeks old he'd be about 16 months and 2 weeks old now. If he was actually 2 weeks old (which would be TINY! his eyes would only just have opened and they;re not normally weaned until about 3 weeks), then he would be about 15 months and 2 weeks old. So he is over middle age but not quite old. Old age is considered to start from about 18 months onwards.

Which is when general health and "condition" comes into play. If he is an active, healthy hamster, not underweight or any fur issues, then a vet would probably decide he is in good condition for an ear op, which is not quite the same as say abdominal surgery even though it's surgery.

However if I were you I would find a second vet and ask for another opinion before you make any decisions. Explain he's probably about 16 months old, maybe slightly over or under, ask if they can tell if it's something that might be malignant or not (some exotic vets have a very good idea just looking at it even if they can't categorically say). But either way they should suggest various options. Having said that your vet today sounded like he thought it needed surgery and that doesn't surprise me. But unless it's a vet you feel very confident with or have used before and know, I would consider another opinion before deciding. You can still go back to the first vet for the surgery after getting the second opinion!

Do you think it causes him any pain or discomfort at all? Does he scratch at it or does it ever bleed?

Oh yes, sorry! I meant that he was about 2 months old when he came to me in May 2025.

As for his condition now, honestly, he’s still very active. He still runs around and explores everywhere like he normally does. I’m actually planning to get a second opinion, but that’s the difficult part the other vet is quite far away, around a 50-minute drive from me.

The first vet I went to is actually quite experienced with hamsters too. A few months ago, she successfully removed an abscess from another hamster’s cheek, so I do feel that she knows how to handle hamsters.

As for Gilbert, I’m honestly not sure whether the lump is bothering him or causing him any pain. He still eats, drinks, sleeps, and grooms himself normally. He still grooms himself from time to time, although now the grooming sometimes ends up touching the affected ear. Other than that, I haven’t really noticed any obvious signs that he’s uncomfortable or in pain.