My little dwarf hamster, Houdini Jingles, has a couple of growths on his body, I'm assuming they're tumors. He's over two years old, and, I know he's considered a senior citizen. I noticed a tumor in his ear a few months ago, and, I think it affects his balance a little. He still runs around and up and down the tubes in his cage like it doesn't affect him, but, he sometimes loses his balance when he's standing still. The growth is bigger than it was when I first noticed it, but, not sure if it's continuing to grow. It's kind of warty looking (cauliflower-ish), and, comes right out of his ear. Not on the ear skin, but, coming out of the inner ear. The one I noticed second is a lump on his left shoulder. It's gotten bigger and has abscessed. I don't know if that's the right word for it, but, I can see red on his shoulder where before I just saw his light colored fur. Anyway, he's not a nice pet, I can't touch him or hold him, but, I don't want him to be in any pain. I can't consider taking him to the vet for the removal of the tumors, because I can't afford to put that kind of money into him, unless my vet can convince me that it's going to save him and it doesn't cost several hundred dollars. I know that may sound harsh, and, I risk being stoned for saying it. But, what I'm asking is if anyone thinks it would be better for him to be put down, I'd like to think he can live out the rest of his days at home with me, but, I want a second opinion. He doesn't appear to be in any pain, he's never had a seizure, he's not acting sluggish, he's eating and drinking, still runs in his ball (I have to trap him to get him into it) and on his wheel, etc. So, anyway, just wanted to ask.
