Cancer

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Cancer is very common in pet hamsters.  The incidence increases

with age (as is the case with most animals) and is higher among

females than males because of the variety of cancers that involve

the female reproductive tract.  Tumors of hamsters may be benign

or malignant.  Hamsters are vulnerable to an unusually large

number and variety of benign cancers.



Cancers involving hormone-producing organs (such as the thyroid

and adrenal glands) are among the most common tumors found in

hamsters.  These cancers cause hormone imbalances, hair loss and

changes in behavior, as well as other significant signs.



Veterinarians can often perform surgery to completely remove

small external tumors.  Internal tumors, however, are much more

difficult to diagnose and remove.  The small size of the patient,

the even smaller size of the organ(s) involved, the sometimes

inaccessibility of the tumor and the expense involved are some of

the reasons why an owner of a pet hamster might elect euthanasia

(putting the pet to sleep) or do nothing and allowing the hamster

to live out its life instead of surgery in these situations.