HistoryAn approximately 10-month-old female Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) was submitted for necropsy. The pet had died following a 6-week period of weight loss, lethargy, and tachypnea with increased abdominal effort. The hamster was previously evaluated by a veterinary ophthalmologist because of several small nodules on both lower eyelids at the medial canthus; on the basis of the physical examination findings, these nodules were diagnosed as cysts.On external examination of the hamster, there were dozens of slightly raised, light pink to pale tan cutaneous nodules (range of diameter, 0.1 to 0.2 cm; Figure 1). The nodules were scattered over the back, ventral aspect of the abdomen, limbs, neck, and chin and were of similar appearance to the masses on the lower eyelids. The thoracic cavity was filled with white, opaque fluid (chylous effusion), and there was a soft, pale tan, multinodular mass (1.5 X 1 X 1 cm) at the base of the heart. The liver was diffusely and markedly enlarged (congestion).