Signs of bladder stones may or may not be detected by hamster owners and are usually associated with infection within the urinary tract, frequent urination, straining on urination, blood in the urine, increased water consumption, listlessness and inappetence. An experienced veterinarian may be able to remove the stones. This is accompanied by appropriate antibiotic therapy. Dietary management to help dissolve the urinary stones and prevent their recurrence is not practical with hamsters. Tumors of hamsters may be benign or malignant.
Hamsters are vulnerable to an unusually large number and variety of benign cancers.
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. Neglectful owners fail to provide adequate supplies of food and water for their pets, and are unaware of any medical problems. Sipper tubes often become clogged or continually contact bedding material, thereby draining the water bottles to which they are attached.