You can treat a hamster’s skin sores by using betadine (topical antiseptics), hydrogen peroxide and an antibiotic ointment. a salt water solution can also be used to clean the wounds. To prevent the skin sores from returning: remove the cause of the sores.
Full Answer
How can I help my hamster with a swollen backside?
It may help with swelling. If it doesn’t help, you might just have to help clean your hamster’s backside often and keep him as comfortable as possible. Reply ella February 14, 2018 at 5:55 pm
What is the best treatment for hamster illnesses?
The best treatment of hamster illnesses is to prevent them from ever happening. If you can provide a healthy diet, plenty of fresh water and a good exercise regimen, your hamsters will in turn be healthier and less likely to succumb to an illness.
What to do if your hamster has an open wound?
For this reason, when you have a hamster with an open or healing wound, you should keep it clean. Some warm water and perhaps a mild antiseptic should be all you need in your case.
How do I get rid of a lump on my hamster?
If you do suspect a lump, you should call a small animal vet. Some owners will feed their hamsters dandelion leaves to help reduce swelling. That is of course not a cure. Reply Theomehboi May 10, 2019 at 2:30 am
What causes swelling in hamsters?
Abdominal swelling can be caused by tumours, cysts or fluid within the abdomen. Cysts on the liver are not uncommon, and fluid can collect as a result of heart disease. Your vet may be able to identify the likely cause by examining your hamster, or may suggest investigations such as an abdominal scan.
Why does my hamster have a swollen bottom?
These are normal and nothing to worry about. Also, the testicles of male hamsters enlarge in the spring, so two large swellings at the bottom end of your hamster are usually nothing to worry about. But, if you are at all concerned about your hamster's health, do consult your vet.
Can you treat a hamster abscess at home?
A hamster's abscess must first be drained. Your veterinarian may have already done this as part of the diagnostic process. The abscess will then need to be flushed with a saline solution or other antibacterial agents. Antibiotics will be prescribed for you to administer at home.
How do you treat a hamster infection?
There is no treatment. This disease is contagious to humans, so any infected hamsters—or hamsters that have been exposed to infected hamsters—must be euthanized. The sick hamster's cage must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Use gloves and dispose of bedding and other cage materials carefully.
How do you know if a hamster is dying?
When a hamster is dying, its breathing will be more agitated, choppy and its pulse will begin to diminish progressively until exhausted. It is also possible that your hamster may suffer from tremors or a stiff jaw. Signs of a dead hamster include: No apparent breathing or movement.
What is the most common cause of death in hamsters?
Old Age. Of course, given that hamsters have an average lifespan of 18 months to a year with a maximum of three years [8], most hamsters are not expected to live long. ... Stress. ... Heart Disease. ... Wet Tail. ... Pneumonia. ... Cancer. ... Other Infections. ... Kidney Disease.More items...•
What does a hamster abscess look like?
Symptoms. Skin abscesses are often located around the hamster's head, though they can occur anywhere on the body. The swelling may be felt or seen beneath the hair, and the area will be red and sensitive to your touch. If the abscess has ripened then it pits when pressure is applied.
What antibiotics can hamsters take?
Several antibiotic treatments are recommended, including doxycycline (5–10 mg/kg, PO, twice a day for 5–7 days), enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg, PO or IM, twice a day for 5–7 days), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (30 mg/kg, PO, twice a day for 5–7 days).
How much does it cost to take a hamster to the vet?
It does depend on where you live but on average I would say an exam is about $30-70, but could be higher for an exotic specialist.
Do hamsters heal themselves?
Let your hamster heal himself. Hamsters are very hardy animals and can recovery quickly from injury. If you see that he has only minor cuts and scrapes, consider letting him tend to them on his own. Many times, hamsters will lick and clean the wounds, which will heal them.
How do you give hamsters antibiotics?
1:033:11Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic: Medicating hamsters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to gently insert the syringe in this area. Once the syringe is in the mouth slowly depressMoreYou want to gently insert the syringe in this area. Once the syringe is in the mouth slowly depress the plunger letting your hamster swallow the medicine at its own pace aim.
Why does my hamster's cheeks look swollen?
Because your hamster's cheek pouches are so large, your hamster can stuff a lot of food into them and make them look swollen. If the swelling goes down after your hamster empties the pouch, then there is no abscess. If the swelling doesn't go down, then your hamster likely has a cheek abscess.
What are the bumps on a hamster?
Lumps on a Hamster. Testicular Lumps. As a male hamster matures, its testicles develop. When a mature hamster gets warm, its testicles will become more prominent and then retract when they cool down. The male Chinese dwarf hamster on the other hand typically has prominent testicles all the time.
Why does my hamster have a lump on his face?
Another reason for a facial lump can be the result of a hamster tooth problem . there are a few types of teeth problems that can lead to swelling.
What does it mean when a hamster has a lump on its nipple?
If these lumps grow fast or are hard to the touch, this could be a sign of tumor. Again, seek a diagnosis from a vet. Another type of lump on the mammary glad includes hamster mastitis.
Why do hamsters have lumps on their chests?
On a Hamster’s Body. Dwarf hamster breeds get lumps on their chests and bellies as they get older. These lumps are not a concern unless they become ulcerated. In this situation, you should consult a vet for treatment options.
Do hamsters have scent glands?
Faith. June 23, 2019 at 1:58 pm . Hamsters have scent glands (syrians have them on either side just in front of the hip, dwarfs have them on the belly), and males tend to have them more prominently than females. You may notice him sometimes letting his sides rub up on some surfaces as he walks around.
Do hamsters have lumps?
Hamsters can get random lumps on their body. Some lumps and bumps are normal and are no need for concern. Others however do need attention and treatment. Skip to content. Search for:
What is a hamster abscess?
Hamster Abscess. An abscess is a localized pus collection in any part of the body that often becomes swollen and inflamed. This pus is actually a collection of white blood cells that have built up in attempt to fight off some sort of illness and dead tissue.
Why do hamsters have abcesses on their faces?
An abscess on the face is often cause by some sort of hamster teeth problem like tooth decay. The bacteria that is most often the culprit of a growth of an abscess is Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella pneumotropicaand Streptococcus species. How to Treat It.
Why is my hamster's coat wet?
On occasion there can be discharge that will make the hamster’s coat wet or matted. An abscess right beneath the skin is easy to see but internal abscesses are difficult to detect. Related illnesses caused by a hamster abscess can include anorexia, respiratory problems, or painful abdominal problems. What are the Causes.
Can a hamster use its left paw?
No exposed wire bars for example. If the paw issue look more serious as in the hamster isn’t able to use its left paw at all, it could be something more serious. In that case, you should consult a vet.
How to treat hamsters?
The best treatment of hamster illnesses is to prevent them from ever happening. If you can provide a healthy diet, plenty of fresh water, and a good exercise regimen, your hamsters will in turn be healthier and less likely to succumb to an illness. It’s also important to keep a clean and comfortable living space for them.
What to do if your hamster has a wet bottom?
Diarrhea: If your hamster has a wet bottom and its stools are runny, it likely has diarrhea. Unlike in humans, this is a very serious condition for hamsters. Get them to the vet immediately for treatment and make sure the sick hamster drinks enough water.
What does it mean when a hamster sneezes?
Cold Virus: If you hamster is sneezing, wheezing or has a runny nose, your hamster likely has a cold. Try a heat treatment (discussed in Treat a Sick Hamster .) and strongly consider a trip to the vet. Mites Infestation: If the coat of your hamster is disheveled, patchy or falling out, your hamster might have mites.
How long do hamsters live?
Hamsters have a lifespan of two to three years but some have been known to live up to four years or longer due to exceptional hamster care and a bit of luck. During a hamster’s life, like all living things, it can become ill, sick or injured from various ailments or accidents. With proper prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a sick hamster, you can hope for your little pet to be fortunate enough to live a long (in hamster years) and happy life.
Why is my hamster's skin red?
Fungal Infections: With similar symptoms to mites, a fungal infection will make the skin itchy, red and scaly. Again a trip to the vet will be necessary. In regards to pet fungus infections, always wash your hands thoroughly after handling your infected hamsters or anything in their hamster habitat.
How to tell if a hamster is sick?
In order to determine is your hamster is sick with an illness, you must first observe its behavior . If the hamster’s behavior is off from what it normally is, that a sure sign something might be wrong with your little pet. Check how it acts and interacts with you or other hamsters. Another thing to observe is to check its body for physical signs ...
Why do hamsters have wet tails?
It often occurs in young and baby hamsters and requires immediate treatment. A weakened immune system from stress caused by a separation from their mothers or poor food quality are the cause of this.
How to treat bumblefoot in hamsters?
For treating bumblefoot in the hamster, firstly prepare an Epsom salt bath. This bath is made with a sufficient quantity of water and adds a small quantity of Epsom salt. The water should be lukewarm . Then hold your hamster in a clean towel and soak its feet in an Epsom salt bath.
What is the best way to keep hamsters healthy?
Proper sanitation and housing are necessary for a healthy foot in hamsters. The cage of the hamsters should be clean, and the bedding of the floor should be soft. Avoid harsh wire floors in cages of a hamster because they cause cuts in hamsters. The bedding of the floor should be of some smooth paper or grass.
What is a hamster's foot called?
Bumblefoot, which is called Pododermatitis. Bumblefoot is inflammation of the foot. This disease is most common in hamsters. In this disease, the footpad turns red and sore. These inflamed bumps often start with scrapes and cuts in footpads.
What is the pain in a hamster's foot?
Bumblefoot in its second and third stage causes serious infection in the hamster foot. This infection is so severe that it causes intense pain in the hamster’s feet. This pain is sometimes so severe that the hamster cannot even move its paw. At this stage, you should consult a veterinary doctor for proper treatment.
Why does my hamster have bumble feet?
Many factors cause Bumblefoot. Firstly, if the hamster is overweight; he can get this problem because the mass on the foot produces pressure, which can cause pain and inflammation in the feet. An unhygienic living environment also leads to this situation.
What should a hamster's bedding be?
The bedding of the floor should be of some smooth paper or grass. This flooring also should be neat, clean, and does not contain any harmful content. Regular cleaning of the cage also helps in reducing the risk of bumblefoot in hamsters. The weight of the hamster should be controlled, and he should be on a proper diet.
Can you soak hamster foot in manuka honey?
Apply a small quantity of manuka honey to the wound daily. Soak hamster foot in manuka honey bath twice daily.
How to get hamsters to clear their pouches?
The natural method for a hamster to clear and empty its pouches is to use its two front paws to push the food forward and out of the mouth. You too can try to massage the impacted cheek(s) to attempt to free the food or debris that is stuck.
What to do if hamster has abscess in cheek?
Your hamster could have abscess in it cheek pouch which a vet can help drain. In the mean time, keep feeding the hamster and make sure it’s food that won’t be painful to eat; like shells from seeds. If you think it’s not getting enough vitamins and minerals, you can get some vitamin supplements.
Why do hamsters hoard food?
A hamsters by nature tends to collect and hoard its food. It’s able to do this because of the two lateral cheek pouches on the sides of its mouths. When it goes about collecting food, it does so by stuffing its cheek pouches with seeds and other bits of food.
Why do hamsters have a swollen cheek?
Often with caged hamsters, an impaction of the cheek is caused by a food item that a hamster probably shouldn’t be eating in the first place like sweets. Soft food such as bananas and berries might also be the culprit of this issue. The Signs and Symptoms.
How to flush out a cheek pouch?
If you think its cheek pouch is still impacted, you can try to massage the food out or use a salt water solution to to try and flush it out. Trimming the teeth was a good idea to since overgrown teeth can cause mouth problems if they get overgrown.
How to get rid of a stuck eye?
It’s not easy to tell what the issue might be but to help the eye issue out you might want to try adding a drop or saline solution into the stuck eye. This should help add moisture and clean it of any crusty material. Swollen cheek pouches can also be the cause of the eye issue.
How to get rid of cuts in cheeks?
Do this by using a small tool that doesn’t have sharp edges that could lead to cuts inside the mouth. Another method is to try using a small eye dropper to flush the cheek with a mild salt water saline solution to help break up the materials (a local anesthetic might be needed).
How to diagnose hamsters?
This illness is more common in hamsters that are young or stressed. Your veterinarian can diagnose this illness by examination or by doing laboratory tests. Blood tests are only sometimes accurate. Your veterinarian may treat your hamster with fluids and antibiotics.
What is it called when hamsters have blood clots?
Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders. Blood clots sometimes form inside one of the upper chambers of hamsters' hearts. This condition is called atrial thrombosis. The blockages are often found in the left side of the heart. Atrial thrombosis occurs in up to 70% of older Syrian hamsters.
Why does my hamster wheeze?
Because of their small size, lung and other airway disorders in hamsters can quickly become serious. If you notice your hamster is wheezing or having difficulty breathing, see your veterinarian promptly.
What is the digestive system of a hamster?
Diarrhea is one of the most common digestive system problems in hamsters and can be caused by several different disorders. Diarrhea in hamsters is sometimes called “wet tail.” Constipation is another common digestive problem in hamsters.
Why do hamsters get constipated?
Hamsters may become constipated if they have intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, if they eat their bedding and their intestines get blocked, or if a portion of the intestine folds inside itself, a condition called an intussusception.
What causes a hamster to have a thrombosis?
Atrial thrombosis occurs in up to 70% of older Syrian hamsters. Atrial thrombosis is usually the result of congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart muscle weakens and cannot pump blood efficiently throughout the body (see Heart Failure in Dogs ). Both atrial thrombosis and congestive heart failure happen more frequently in older ...
Why should hamsters be kept separate?
Sick hamsters should be kept separate from other hamsters to prevent spreading the illness, and the cages of both the sick and healthy animals should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Tyzzer disease, caused by the bacterium Clostridium piliforme, can have many of the same signs as proliferative ileitis.
How to treat a hamster abscess?
To treat the abscess, your vet will open the abscess and allow it to drain. Opening the abscess is a surgical procedure, so your vet will anesthetize your hamster. Once your hamster is anesthetized, your vet will open the abscess with a sharp surgical instrument. To drain the abscess, your vet will use a surgical drain.
What to do if your hamster has a cheek abscess?
Once your hamster has been treated for a cheek abscess, it will be important to prevent future cheek abscesses. Using soft bedding is a great prevention strategy, since soft bedding will not scratch the lining of your hamster’s cheek pouches. Shredded paper is ideal soft bedding for your hamster.
What happens if a hamster eats a pouch?
If the swelling goes down after your hamster empties the pouch, then there is no abscess. If the swelling doesn’t go down, then your hamster likely has a cheek abscess. An abscess would make your hamster feel sick. Your hamster may eat less and look unwell in general (e.g., scruffy fur, low energy level).
Why are my hamster's cheeks swollen?
Because your hamster’s cheek pouches are so large, your hamster can stuff a lot of food into them and make them look swollen.
What is a hamster's pouch?
This article has been viewed 39,220 times. Hamsters have large cheek pouches that they use to store food. Sometimes, the lining of one or both cheek pouches can get scratched by something sharp (usually an overgrown tooth). Bacteria can enter the scratch and cause an infection. An abscess, which is a pocket of infection, ...
What to feed a hamster to heal?
If your hamster eats something sharp, that food could scratch the linings of the cheek pouches. Soft foods like cereal and rice would be good to feed your hamster as his abscess heals.
What does it mean when a hamster's cheeks get stuck?
Sometimes, a hamster’s cheek pouches can become impacted, meaning that food or bedding gets stuck in the pouches. A vet would need to empty out the impacted pouch.#N#Thanks!#N#Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
What to do if hamster has a lump under skin?
Treatment. If your hamster has an abscess under their skin or in their cheek pouch, it must first be drained. Your veterinarian may have already done this as part of the diagnostic testing when determining the contents of the lump or they may need to sedate or anesthetize your hamster in order to perform this task.
How to prevent abscesses in hamsters?
Another thing you can do to help prevent abscesses in your hamster is to ensure there are no sharp edges in the cage. Wire cages may have sharp spots on the corners and doors. Ladders, wheels, and other toys in the cage can also be problematic. Check these things regularly to help keep your hamster safe.
Why does my hamster smell so bad?
This may also have a very foul smell due to the bacteria that is present. Hamsters are usually fastidious cleaners but the amount of infected fluid an abscess can produce may not be easily cleaned up or may be unreachable if it is on the neck or head.
How to tell if hamster has abscesses?
Signs of Abscesses in Hamsters. An abscess is most likely to form on or around the head of a hamster. On occasion, an abscess may be inside the body or elsewhere under the skin but they are more often seen in the cheeks or on the neck. A lump or swelling is usually the most obvious indication that an abscess exists but this can be difficult ...
Can a veterinarian see if a lump is an abscess?
Your veterinarian may feel the lump and suspect it is an abscess but in order to diagnose it as such, the contents must be analyzed. A sample of the abscess may be withdrawn with a syringe and needle and observed for bacteria and blood under a microscope or it may simply be opened up using a scalpel blade.
Is hamster a low maintenance pet?
huronphoto / Getty Images. Hamsters are fairly low-maintenance pets when it comes to health concerns but that doesn't mean they aren't prone to developing certain problems. Abscesses are one such problem that hamster owners may see.
How to treat hamster sores on legs?
Treat Hamsters. You can treat a hamster’s skin sores by using betadine (topical antiseptics), hydrogen peroxide and an antibiotic ointment. a salt water solution can also be used to clean the wounds.
How to prevent hamster sores from returning?
To prevent the skin sores from returning: remove the cause of the sores. Remove sharp or abrasive accessories; get a solid exercise wheel without metal rungs; change the bedding to softer material; and give your hamsters plenty of room to run around. Complete Hamster Care GuideSearch Hamster Health Issues.
Why does my hamster have sores?
If the belly of the hamster has sores and it’s also an elderly hamster, these can be caused by scratchy bedding. Even if your hamster bedding has always been the same, when a hamster gets old, its skin can become sensitive.
Where do you find a sore on a hamster?
Skin sore can occur anywhere on an injured hamster but mainly these can be found on the underside of the hamster’s belly, legs, face, and scent glands. These sores can be described as open wounds on the surface of the skin. They will appear raw, red, and occasionally bleeding.
Is honey safe for hamsters?
some owners have used it but others say it is bad for hamsters. If your hamster is prone to licking its wounds, you might try manuka honey. it’s safe and helps wounds heal. If anything, you an antiseptic and just clean the injured areas….and get a better wheel. Reply.