1. Hamster surgery at Toa Payoh Vets

TOA PAYOH VETS - DOG NEUTER PROCEDURES
toapayohvets.com
Focus: Small animals - dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits
Date: 18 November, 2007


REMOVAL OF SKIN TUMOURS/LUMPS IN A HAMSTER AT TOA PAYOH VETS

WHAT TO EXPECT.
The veterinarian removes the tumours/lumps in the hamster skin. Usually the hamster needs to be anaesthesized if the tumour is large.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE.
Make appointment 6254-3326, 9668-6469 for surgery. The pet must be healthy and not obese (if possible). He is active and has an excellent appetite. Clean up the hamster if possible and/or let him have a sandbath 2 days before surgery. Bring the pet to the surgery at 9 a.m.

Don't give food and water after 8 p.m the day before the surgery and in the morning of the surgery date. Make sure the hamster is active.

WHAT TO DO DURING.
The hamster is put into an anaesthetic container. General anaesthesia using gas. The skin tumours/lumps are cut off. Stitching may be done but the hamster usually bites them off. As much blood is cleaned off as possible.

WHAT TO DO AFTER.
The owner takes the hamster home at around 5 p.m/prior arrangement. Make sure that the hamster is kept in a clean cage with towel papers for at least 7- 14 days till the wound heals. Check the wound daily for signs of itchiness or infection. Use a facial cotton or tissue soaked in clean warm water and wipe away any blood clots. Replace the towel papers as bedding daily.

The stitches on the skin, if not bitten off by the hamster, will dissolve after 14 - 30 days. There is no need to return to the surgery for stitch removal. Consult the vet promptly if the hamster is not eating or active or he keeps licking the wound from day 3. The phone number is 9668-6469.

POSTPONEMENT OF SURGERY.
If the hamster is not in a good condition, the hamster is warded for observation and treatment for 1-3 days before surgery is done.

DR SING'S CASE STUDIES

1. http://www.kongyuensing.com/animals/20080105Hamster_Skin_Tumour_ToaPayohVets.htm

2. http://www.toapayohvets.com/sinpets/040927hamster_risks.htm

3. http://www.toapayohvets.com/sinpets/040927hamster_risks.htm

4. http://www.toapayohvets.com/surgery/050609hamsters_ToaPayohVets.htm