A case report: perineal hernia, recurrent inguinal hernia, polycystic liver disease and adrenocortical carcinoma in a Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)

A ten-month-old, intact male Golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) presented with a swelling in the anogenital region and absent defecation. Sonographically, a perineal hernia was diagnosed on the left side. A unilateral herniorrhaphy was performed. Five weeks after successful surgery, a hernia was observed at the right side. A second herniorrhaphy was performed to the right inguinal region. Thirteen months after the last surgery, the hamster was admitted to the veterinary clinic with generalized alopecia and progressive weight loss. Sonographically, an enlarged left adrenal gland, as well as multiple liver cysts were determined. The hamster was euthanized 18 weeks later. Pathological examination revealed an adrenocortical carcinoma and polycystic liver disease.