Hamsters can indeed undergo neutering or spaying, but the necessity and risks must be carefully evaluated. Here’s a summary of key information:
Surgical Feasibility
Technically achievable: Female hamsters require abdominal surgery to remove the ovaries, while male hamsters undergo vasectomy.
Professional procedures: Specialized clinics may use inhalant anesthesia and ultrasonic scalpel technology, shortening surgery time to 2–5 minutes.
Successful cases: Elderly hamsters with uterine diseases have recovered well after sterilization.
Major Risks
Anesthesia risks: Due to their small size, hamsters are harder to dose with anesthesia, leading to a mortality rate of 5%–10%.
Postoperative infection: Sustained use of antibiotics and painkillers is necessary, with high demands for post-surgery care.
Limited medical expertise: Most domestic pet hospitals lack experience in rodent surgeries.
Appropriate Scenarios
Health needs: Surgery is recommended for conditions like pyometra (pus in the uterus) or mammary tumors.
Age restrictions: It’s advisable to perform the procedure on hamsters over 6 months old, preferably before their first heat cycle.
Non-essential cases: For simple breeding control, separating hamsters into individual cages is more practical.
Alternative Solutions
Safest method: Housing each hamster in its own cage.
Same-sex cohabitation: Requires larger enclosures and additional food bowls to reduce conflicts.
Elderly females: Regular check-ups for reproductive system health are essential.
Postoperative Care
Maintain a clean environment and use a specialized heating pad to regulate body temperature.
Closely monitor appetite and behavior to prevent stress reactions.
Cost reference: Surgery at professional clinics ranges from 500 to 1,500 yuan.