Advancing Exotic Animal Care: Insights from Dr. Stephen Chan’s Golden Hamster Studies

At Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital, we are committed to advancing veterinary care. We are proud to announce that our esteemed veterinarian, Dr. Stephen Chan, has recently published two research papers on golden hamsters, adding valuable insights to the field of animal medicine. These studies highlight Dr. Chan’s expertise and reinforce our clinic’s reputation as a leading vet clinic in Hong Kong for specialized care.

As one of the top animal hospitals in Hong Kong, we remain dedicated to offering the highest standard of care for all animal species. Below, we are pleased to share Dr. Chan’s research, which underscores our ongoing commitment to excellence in veterinary science.

About treating a skin tumor with chemotherapy

“Use of chemotherapy in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) with epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma: Two cases (2021–2022)”.

Epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (ETCL) is rarely described in golden or Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), and no effective treatments or outcomes have previously been published. This study includes two cases of epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that were diagnosed via skin biopsy. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome were reported. Both cases received chemotherapy, including prednisolone, lomustine, L-asparaginase and chlorambucil.

One Syrian hamster that received prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg per os every 24 hours) and chlorambucil (0.4 mg/kg per os every 24 hours) survived 276 days after diagnosis. Another Syrian hamster treated with prednisolone (1 mg/kg per os every 24 hours) survived 81 days after diagnosis. The effectiveness of lomustine and L-asparaginase remains unknown for Syrian hamsters, and more studies are needed to determine appropriate dose ranges for chlorambucil. The combination of chlorambucil (0.4 mg/kg per os every 24 hours) and prednisolone (0.5–1 mg/kg per os every 24 hours) may assist in managing epitheliotropic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in Syrian hamsters.

For more details, please CLICK HERE.

Explores the surgical treatment of an infection in a male reproductive organ.

Seminal Vesiculitis in Golden Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus): Two Cases (2022)

Golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) with seminal vesiculitis diagnosed by histopathologic examination in a private animal hospital between February and December 2022 were eligible for inclusion.

Seminal vesiculitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the seminal vesicles. It has been reported in stallions, bulls, rams, boars, rabbits, mice, and rats but has not been reported in golden hamsters.

Two golden hamsters were included in the study. Both patients presented with lethargy and hematuria. Ultrasonographic examination of the seminal vesicles showed less distinct lobulation, wall thickening, and hyperechoic fluid in 1 case. One patient was treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The hamster died 11 days after presentation. The other patient was treated with a seminal vesiculectomy and was euthanized 66 days after surgery due to congestive heart failure and a left atrial mass. Histopathologic examination of seminal vesicles from both patients showed dilation, transmural necrosis, and inflammation.

Seminal vesiculitis should be considered as a differential in male golden hamsters with hematuria. In the cases presented here, ultrasonography was useful to formulate a diagnostic suspicion. Treatment options require further investigation.

For more details, please CLICK HERE.

Dr. Stephen graduated from National Taiwan University and has since devoted himself to providing better medical services for pikas, rabbits and other exotic animals. Due to his strong interest in exotic pet medicine, he completed an internship at Kanazawa zoo and Tokyo University in Japan, Shoushan zoo and National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium in Taiwan. Subsequently, he served as a full time veterinary surgeon at an exotic pet veterinary clinic in Taiwan. In mid 2022, he relocated to Hong Kong and worked at Maple exotic veterinary centre as a full time veterinary surgeon. Currently, he is actively studying to broaden his knowledge of general surgery, endoscopic surgery and orthopedic surgery, and to obtain a specialist certificate.

About Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital

Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital is a veterinary specialty hospital in Hong Kong that provides exceptional care for your pets. As a leading exotic pet hospital, we specialize in treating various unique animals, ensuring they receive the tailored attention they deserve. Our experienced exotic pet vets are passionate about their work, combining expertise with compassion for every visit. Whether you have a dog, cat, or an exotic pet, our animal hospital in Hong Kong is equipped to handle all your veterinary needs. Visit us for specialized treatment for your beloved pets today!