Update: Chipper is still sleeping alot trying to get her strength back-but she is feeling alot better!

I'm really glad to hear that she is doing better! I was keeping an eye on this post and wishing for the best! I'm glad to hear everything went well.

Sad update on Chipper:
The growth in Chippers mouth is growing back! On Saturday, we went to clean the site with betadine (as we had been doing daily since they did surgery), and from Friday to Saturday, it had already grown significantly. He had the Surgery on Monday morning-so approx. 5 days later, it was growing back. The last time, it grew very rapidly in just a matter of days, this time, it is growing a little slower and growing more towards the side of the front of the mouth instead of in the middle. So at least it isn't forcing his mouth open, it is making the side of his jaw swell up instead (since it is growing more towards the jaw). We have talked with the vet and they said to wait and bring Chipper in until it starts bothering her because the only thing that they can do is the same thing they did before -cut it off. So far, it doesn't seem to be stopping her from eating or drinking and even though I know that she has a bit of discomfort, I don't think she is in pain too much as of yet. If I feel that she is suffering in the least little bit, I am heading back to the vet!!
Just wanted to update you guys so that you can pray for my little friend! It worked so well the last time, I know that it will again!
Thank you all so much!!!!

I will pray for you, and I am sending you a big ol' hug!

Oh, thank you so very much!

Im praying that darn thing will stop growing back.!! In my prayers.

Aw, Camille, I am so sad to read this. Sending lots of positive thoughts in Chipper's direction!

Thanks Wendi!
Well, everyone-as it turns out-this growth is going to kill little Chipper. It isn't the only symptom now, so most likely the growth is Cancer as the vet had thought it probably was. Chipper is now only getting a peaceful rest when I hold her and keep her really warm and she sleeps in my hand. I have been holding her most of the time for the last day and a half. She is still eating and drinking really well-. She is eating soft pupas (she prefers their fat moist bodies over the vita-mealies), canned beef cat food (the Friskies Beef bits), fresh apple slices, grape slices, and yogurt drops.
So, whenever we decide it is time, Chipper will be put to sleep, unless she goes naturally without suffering. The vet agrees that is the right thing to do. We could have the growth cut off again, but that is not the only factor anymore, probably never was the only factor. I don't want to do it too soon, and I don't want Chipper to suffer at all-so my question is-When will I know it is time? As most of you know, I don't have any Sugar Gliders-I have lizards. I know that Chipper is not a Sugar glider,not even in the same family- but I feel that it is closer than a lizard, so I am asking for your opinions. How will I know? I know she is in some pain, but not too bad, or she wouldn't be eating and drinking. The reason I know she is in some pain is that she doesn't run on her wheel at all, she sleeps sitting up (except when I am holding her and then she lays down in my hand and sleeps) and she sits hunched over most of the time. When I put my hand down in her cage, she climbs on my hand wanting me to hold her constantly. When I go to put her down, she tries to stay in my hand-so I keep her. I am trying not to be selfish, I love this little one so much and want to keep her alive and would do whatever it takes to make her better (but theres not anything to save her), but like I said -I will not let her suffer at all!! Your opinions would be greatly appreciated. Please HELP!

Camille--
I don't know if it would help you or not, but I'd be happy to send you one of my extra bonding pouches for this little girl, if you think it might help keep her comfy. Let me know. I have a few extras around that Molly would be happy to give up for a friend in need.

Camille, I went through this two years ago with a cat, Troubles had a recurring tumor in his mouth too. I had him put down two days before Thanksgiving. It was the hardest thing to do, but I couldn't pay for any more treatment (I'd already spent over $2000) and the chance of him surviving aggressive treatment were less than 50/50. He had lived with me for almost eleven years. I feel your pain. I knew it was time because he'd lost more than half his body weight (from eighteen pounds down to just over seven) even though he was still eating; he slept almost all the time, and his eyes had lost their spark. Little Chipper will let you know too. I'll pray that she passes naturally and peacefully, it's easier that way.

Oh-Thank you Wendi-If it looks like I might could use a bonding pouch, I will let you know. And please tell Molly that I appreciate the offer of one of her pouches. That is so sweet.
And thank you Snusie for telling me your story. That helps to know that Chipper will let me know when it's too much for her to handle. That is what I was worried about, her not showing obvious signs of suffering. So, thanks again!

Camille....I'm so sorry to hear this. After reading Chipper's story I started talking to my daughters about their hamsters and of course their rabbit. Time passes so quickly and before you know it the things that your heart holds the closest are gone. I feel your pain and I cry for little Chipper and for you as I know how much you love her. I know that you will know when it's time to let go but I hope that Chipper takes the burden from you and just falls asleep forever while at home with you instead. My prayers are with you in heart and spirit and I pray that Chipper's passing will be with you whom she loves and as peaceful as possible. <<<HUGS>>>

Hi everyone! Thank you for your continuous prayers-They are working very well because Chipper is still with us and not suffering. Her mouth is swollen and infected and she is very tired but she continues to eat well and drink and is fighting so hard to live!! And as long as she shows that will to live-I will fight right along with her (provided she is not suffering badly)!
We are headed to the ER vet to get an antibiotic injection this afternoon. Last night we cleaned Chippers mouth with peroxide and it bubbled up so much that I called the ER vet that removed the growth the last time. The receptionist told me that they were still afraid to dose Chipper because she is so small (her being a dwarf and being sick, she only weighs a little under an ounce) and to call an exotic vet this morning that he recommended and maybe they could call Chipper an antibiotic in (the vet he referred us to is 3 hours away). So, I got up this morning and called as told and the receptionist there wanted specifics on Chipper and the medicine they were thinking of dosing her with and so I gave her the number to the ER vet to call for all the info. She called me back a few minutes later and told me that the vet on call at the ER clinic was willing to give Chipper an injection of Baytril so off we go...
Please, wish us luck and pray that the dose is not too much for my little babies body to handle!

We all know how much you love your little one, and that you will do right by her. I am glad to see that you are willing to do what must be done if or when the time comes. I know that little Chipper will not suffer, and that you are giving her the best chance for a good life, and not skimping anywhere. You are going above and beyond what most would do, and I think this is a shining example for thsoe on these message board who post threads about how their gliders are sick and they don't have the time or money to do anything about it. Owning an animal is a privelage and you in a sense sign a contract with that creature to provide for it the best life you possibly can. I would say you are doing that for Chipper.

Here's hoping that the Baytril clears up the infection, so that she'll at least be more comfortable.

Thanks guys! Well, they figured up the dosage of Baytril for Chipper (she only weighs 26 grams) and gave her the injection IM. We have to give her an oral dose daily for 5 days by scruffing her. I hope that she swallows it and it doesn't go everywhere but down her throat.
She is already acting like she feels better. While I hold her and she rests, she isn't jerking in her sleep or constantly moving aroung, so that is a good sign! Will let ya'll know how she does with her first oral dose tomorrow afternoon-
Thanks again to everyone!!

I hope that clears up the infection and that will make things a lot better for little Chipper....

Praying for little Chpper's infection to clear up on the antibiotic.

The other night when I read your post and respond to it I was sitting here crying and my daughter came over by me with her little hamster (not the russian one) and I was telling her about Chipper. She was so sweet to stroke my head and try to make me feel better because I was so sad. I will really be praying hard for her.

This is my youngest daughter's hamster:

aww cute!!(sorry to be off subject)

Oh-how adorable!! Thank you so much for your prayers-I put Chipper up to the computer screen and she sniffed the photo of your hamster. That is a good sign-lol!
Chipper was a real trooper with the first dose of oral antibiotic. She swallowed it just fine. There is a new situation going on in the front of her mouth. Where I am feeding her all soft stuff (canned beef cat food, baby food mixed fruit and yogurt, soft vita-mealie pupas, yogurt drops grated up, etc.), I have noticed that there is a build-up right inside the front of her mouth. When I clean the growth in her mouth with peroxide, I try to clean some of the gunk out, but am not too successful getting it out. Any ideas of how I can do this without hurting her wher the infection and growth are or making her stress out or weaken her in any way?
Thanks again all!!!!

Camille, I wonder if just a plain old saline water solution flush might not be helpful to her right now? I might be inclined to ask the vet. You wouldn't want to throw off her body's sodium level. However, I am just thinking that maybe it would be cleansing, but less likely to be stressful to her body? I don't know. Just thinking out loud here.

Salt water is one of the best things to clean with as it is an antibacterial and a good exfoliant. Also it is chemical free! However, with such a small animal it could be toxic if swallowed!

Not a huge change in Chipper, but the antibiotic is helping somewhat. The swelling has gone down considerably and she rests much easier now. Still fighting really hard and showing that huge will to live, so we are figting right along with her.
She still wants to be held all the time and that is when she gets her most restful sleep, but I have found a way to be able to put her down for awhile so that I can get things done. Those little handwarmer packets called "Hot Hands" that you shake to activate and they stay warm for about 12-15 hours. They make them in a small size to put inside of your gloves. They are the perfect size for Chipper. I put one inside of a sock and lay it in in the little pink tub that I have been using to carry her around with me everywhere, and once she falls asleep on me, I gently move her onto the sock and cover her up with a towel and she doesn't know the difference (for a while anyway-lol). When she wakes up she looks around for me, she chirps in a little scared voice and I run and pick her up again. She knows how to tug at my heart strings -that is for sure! Here is a picture of her the way she likes to sleep---On me! So small-

Chipper the amazing Hamster update: Hi everyone! Chipper is still with us. She finished her round of antibiotics on Thanksgiving day and although the antibiotic didn't make a remarkable difference, I know that they have helped alot.
The growth in Chippers mouth continues to grow and she also has a new tumor on the side of her face (which the vet says is common for older hamsters to get tumors). She continues to show us that she is Happy to be alive though. Feisty little girl!!
She wanted me to tell everyone "HI" ~from Chipper!!

Thanks for the update. She is a fighter, ain't she? What a strong little tiny thing. Give her a smooch from me.

I'm so glad she is doing better. I know nothing about hamsters, I'm actually terrified of hamsters.

For the last two days Chipper ran on her wheel and both my husband and I knew for some reason that the end was near...Chipper passed away at 9:00 PM this evening in my husbands hand. She fought hard these last few weeks and knew that we did everything we could to make her last time with us as comfortable as possible. Jeff is going to bury her tomorrow in our Pet Cemetary. I will miss her greatly! That is all I can say for now-Just wanted to let everyone know and say thank you for all your support these last weeks. I couldn't have gone through this without you!

I am so sorry, Camille. She certainly fought a good fight, and you and Jeff gave her a lot of love and comfort. ((((HUGS)))) to you both right now.

Thinking of you and your family tonight Camille. I think you guys did more for Chipper than I have seen anyone do for a little hamster. It's the special people that make these little babies members of our families, that we have complete love for and would go to great lengths to better their lives. And you provided that for her.

I am so sorry to hear about Chipper. It least you know that you gave her all the love she could possibly need and you gave her a good life.