My daughter's hamster has open wounds around it's neck. Is it cancer or something as serious?

Question

The first one appeared out of no where and looks like a big, deep hole. There's no blood, but the wound smells really bad. Just tonight I noticed a similar "wound" developing on the other side of it's neck. Like I said, it's a deep open wound that smells really bad. The hamster doesn't seem like it's in pain, but certainly seems ill. I also noticed that red spots are starting to develop on it's back legs as well. At first I thought it was trying to chew it's leg off, but I noticed that it's scratching like crazy at it. I know there's something serious here, and my daughter is already devestated by what's happening. About a week before the "wounds" appeared, it seemed to have convulsions, then pushed itself around with it's back legs dragging the front ones, but was better after and hour or so. Could this be related? What should I do? What could it be? Is it worth taking it to a vet? Any help is apprecited. Thanks all

Answer 1

You didn't mention what species of hamster it is, nor how long you've had it.

My initial thought is that if this animal was purchased fairly recently (a Christmas present?) then he probably had a bite wound that healed on the surface, yet infection remained subcutaneously. Since the hamster's own immune system couldn't shake the infection, it spread to the point of ulcering the skin. The smell is the infection and possibly dead tissue. You will need to take him to the vet for antibiotics.

As for the bumps, these could be an allergy to the bedding he's being kept on. Never use cedar shavings. It could also be caused by the Tropical Rat Mite. Do some internet searching on easy ways to determine if your hamster has mites just by using a tissue. It could be from his exercise wheel. What side of his leg are the bumps on? If they are only on his "shins" and you have the traditional wire "bar" exercise wheel, then it's from the wheel.

(I really wish the stores would stop selling these wheels because they are horrible for the animals. They are too small (does your little guy have to bend his body into a "U" to run on it?) and their legs slip through causing injury. In the best case scenarios, hamsters will only have hair loss and callouses on their shins, in worst case scenarios they will have broken legs. The best thing would be to buy the 8.5" plastic "solid floor" wheel made by Super Pet. It sells for $5-$8. In the meantime, there is a small modification you should do to your existing wheel it to make it better for your hamster.

Take some thin cardboard (manilla folders found in any office are great) and cut it into a strip or two slightly thinner than the width of the wheel and long enough to circle it and weave it through the bars around the whole wheel to create a "solid floor". This will prevent their legs from slipping through and hitting their shins on the bars. Many hamsters will have thinning fur and callouses on their shins from these kinds of wheels. It's not very pretty but it will make the hamsters happier. Some of mine chewed on them, some never did. The "floors" that didn't get chewed had to be replaced eventually as they can get dirty.)

As for the convulsions and leg dragging, it sounds like a seizure to me. Seizures are seen more often in Campbells Dwarf hamsters. I've never heard of a Syrian having a seizure though I'm wouldn't be surprised. Unfortunately if your hamster was as pet store purchase, he probably was bred by a commercial breeder. The quality of the hamsters that commercial breeders have produced in the last few years is deteriorating noticably. I fear you may be seeing this with your hamster. I'm sorry.

Take him to a vet who can take a look at everything. Unfortunately it is very difficult to find a vet knowledgable about hamsters (they all say they are when you call to make an appointment of course). I'm onto my fourth vet now. The only good thing is that she respects my experience and observations with my animals and works with me instead of just the "generic prescription" the others would push you out of the office with. The vet will charge you for a normal office visit ($20-$40 depending on the vet clinic) and the presciption if they write you one.

-Janice
http://www.holmdenhillhaven.com

Answer 2

It might have a skin infection of some sort. Any way around it you need to send the hamster to the vet. It might have mites or mange or a various number of things. Look at the website below for a little bit mroe information.

PS

AMOXACILLIN IS FATAL to give to hamsters. Take it to a vet before administering any antibiotics.

Answer 3

A trip to the vet seems in order. But you have to question whether the cost of a vet is worth how much the hamster costs. This is really a big consideration on your part. I really don't think there is much that a vet could do. you could always call them and get their opinion. But just an office visit will cost more than replacing the hamster more than likely.

Answer 4

Could be a tumor. Do you know of a vet that treats small animals? if you do, try to get your hamster there asap. the vet might be able to save your hamster.

Answer 5

Has the hamster been checked for parasites? Sounds like a parasital infection/infestation to me.

Answer 6

aww poor hamster. take it back to the place you bought it from so they can check it out. when i bought my mouse they told me to brong it back if it got sick, so where you bought it should check it out. its alot cheaper than the vet :P
or if you cant, just leave it alone. it will either heal or die. they are like $5 so is it really worth taking to the vet? this hamster seems like its going to die anytime soon so let your kid know that so shes not schocked or anything and go out and buy her another hamster or a puppy :P
any ways its just a hamster

Answer 7

I think you need to RUSH your hamster to a vet!

Answer 8

i would take it to the vet and find out what the heck it is and is it catchy,,,i;ve never heard of something like that on a hamster,,,GOOD-LUCK TO YOU ALL,,,,

Answer 9

Could there be something in his cage that he is falling on and maybe hurting himself? PLEASE take him to a VET - PLEASE

Don't let the little guy suffere, especially if new places are coming up, he may just need a little amoxycillan - please take him

Answer 10

its prob manes r dog had that .they can get it from any were it is cureable