Help Hazel Sophia get her lump removed!

Update #2: Everything is going well :) Hazel has eaten some fresh veggies this morning is going to the bathroom normally after anesthesia. She is still a bit sleepy but other than that she seems to be on the mend. Thank you so much for the continued support! Here’s a photo of her this morning:

Update #1: The surgery is complete and Miss Hazel is home getting some rest after a long day! The vet and staff at Petsville Animal Hospital, Richmond BC did an amazing job removing her large tumor and I couldn’t be more grateful. I’ll share more updates once she is more awake and has some energy back :)

Hi! I’m Maddie and in the photos is Miss Hazel Sophia (yes she has two names because I couldn’t pick one so I kept both lol)! Hazel Sophia is a female Syrian hamster and is approximately 1.5years old. A couple nights ago I unexpectedly discovered a massive tumor under her chin area which seemingly developed overnight. Hamsters and other small mammals have extremely fast metabolic rates, which could explain how a tumor could grow so rapidly in such little time. She went to the vet today and unfortunately the only two options are pain medications and hope the tumor stops growing or surgical removal (lumpectomy). After consideration I elected for the surgery which will be done tomorrow morning. I know anesthesia on small animals is very risky but the veterinarian is very comfortable with exotic/small animal operations and has lots of experience. I would not normally choose the surgical route for such a small animal, but since she is still eating, drinking, walking around and acting like her happy self I feel morally I have to try something. I know to many she is just a hamster or just a rodent who will only live 2-3 years. To me she is more than that and her receiving a life saving surgery should not be dependent on how much longer she might live.

I am a student at UBC studying applied animal biology, with hopes to later go to vet or vet tech school to fulfill my dream of helping those who can’t help themselves whilst being in the medical field. Concurrently with school, I work as a dog walker (best job ever) and get to be around animals 24/7! There is not a creature big or small that I do not love <3

With paying for school, I am struggling financially to afford Hazel Sophia’s surgery. There is no doubt I am going through with it no matter how I end up coming up with the money, but I would be forever grateful if anybody would like to donate any amount to my little hamsters big surgery which is estimated to be close to $700. I understand times are tough so if you can’t donate that is completely okay! Even sharing this page is a big help :) I just thought I’d put it out there incase but there is absolutely no pressure.

PS: We would love for you to please keep her in your thoughts and send good energy her way! Surgery on small mammals is risky so she needs all the good luck and prayers for her to pull through.

I will update tomorrow following her operation!