My hamster has a tumor but seems fine. Should I still worry?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 6 months old
Can I just ignore the tumor on my hamster if she is being normal? She is running around in her ball, eating/drinking, and sleeping normally. I can't go to the vet... About how long would a hamster survive like this?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 12th, 2018
Hello and welcome back. If Hazel is running around and eating and is happy, you can ignore the tumor. At some point it will cause her distress and discomfort, at which point you will have to make the hard choice to put her to sleep, but if she is happy now then you can wait. Ideally the tumor would be removed, but if that is not possible I wouldn't recommend euthanasia if she happy and eating and acting normally. In terms of time-line, there is no way to say. some cancers grow very slowly and some grow quickly, so we cannot know how long it will be until the tumor affects Hazel. Best of luck with her.
12Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 11th, 2018
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry that Hazel has this tumor. If Hazel is eating, drinking, not losing weight, and is playing and exploring like her normal self, then she is likely not painful and you can just ignore the tumor. If Hazel is acting sore, not moving, losing weight, not eating, and not playing, then it might be best for Hazel to have her put to sleep. Your vet can usually do this at no cost, you can call your local clinic and ask how much it would be to put Hazel to sleep. Best of luck with Hazel.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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