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Abscesses in Hamsters

Abscesses in Hamsters

Updated on February 03, 2023
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Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Coates
DVM

What is an abscess? | Causes | Symptoms | Diagnosing | Treatment | Prevention | Prognosis

hamster

According to the American Pet Products Association, about 1.5 million hamsters are beloved as pets around the country. They’re relatively easy to care for and adorable, so it’s no wonder they’re so popular. Before you bring one home, however, you’ll need to learn everything you can about their care because they’re also prone to several health conditions, including hamster abscesses. For more information, check out our guide All About Your Hamster. 

What is an abscess?

An abscess is a type of infection that often occurs near a wound or injury. If it becomes infected, a pocket of pus—a combination of blood, bacteria, white blood cells and other debris—can form at the site. The more the pocket fills, the more it swells, forming a painful soft lump.  

In hamsters, abscesses usually occur under their skin, but they can also form in their mouths, particularly in cheek pouches or around their teeth. If left untreated, they can become life-threatening. The infection may spread throughout the body, or they can burst. Whether or not a hamster’s abscess bursts, it requires immediate treatment.  

What causes abscesses in hamsters?

Abscesses are a secondary condition, meaning they result from a primary condition like a wound or injury. When the damage occurs, bacteria can get deep under the skin or mucous membranes and infect the underlying tissues. As the initial wound heals, the bacteria get trapped and the immune reaction forms a pocket of pus. When the hamster’s abscess bursts, pus may drain to the outside of the body.  

What causes the primary injuries that can lead to an abscess on a hamster? You might be surprised how frequently these pets can injure themselves. One of the most common ways is by fighting over territory and resources. The spats can become very aggressive, and hamster teeth can inflict a lot of damage. Other times, bedding, like wood chips, can cause small cuts on the feet that can become infected.  

The mouth is another common place for hamster abscesses. The inside of their cheek pouches are delicate, and damage can occur if food or bedding becomes lodged there. Hamsters can also get dental diseases—like broken teeth, overgrown teeth and gum diseases—that lead to abscesses.  

Symptoms of a hamster abscess

This health issue generally shows up as a swelling. The amount of swelling will depend on how far the abscess has progressed, with some growing very large. Your hamster may also lack energy and appetite, not only because of the infection but also because abscesses are very painful.  

If you’re not sure whether you’re looking at a hamster abscess or tumor, there are a few ways to tell the difference. An abscess may have a bad smell, and you may notice pus or blood on your hamster’s fur, whereas tumors won’t have any odor, unless they become infected. Abscesses are also filled with liquid and feel squishier than tumors, which are solid.  

Diagnosing hamster abscesses

The most definitive way to tell if your pet has a hamster abscess or tumor is to consult your veterinarian. They’ll perform a physical examination and may suspect that it is an abscess based on how it feels. To confirm, they’ll make a small cut and take a sample of the material. Once they’ve determined if it’s pus, they’ll be able to make a definitive diagnosis. 

Because an abscess is often a secondary condition, your vet will also want to treat the root cause. If the abscess is in the mouth, they may take X-rays to look for overgrown teeth or signs of dental disease. They may also test a blood sample to see if any other conditions are present, assess your hamster’s overall health and create a treatment plan. 

Treating hamster abscesses

An abscess always warrants a trip to your veterinarian. Your hamster will likely require antibiotics—either orally or injected—to help their immune system fight the infection. The abscess will also need to be drained or removed. The easiest method is to lance it—that is, cut it open—drain it, and flush it out with an antiseptic. Then you’ll be sent home with medications and care instructions. If the hamster abscess has burst, it must be flushed out and treated, with similar aftercare.  

Some abscesses require surgery, especially if they’re particularly deep under the skin or the pus is solid rather than liquid. Your hamster will be sedated for this process, then sent home with pain relievers, antibiotics and care instructions. If the primary cause of the abscess is a treatable underlying condition—such as dental problems or a foreign object like a sliver of wood under the skin—that will also need to be addressed so the hamster abscess doesn’t return.  

Preventing Hamster Abscesses

Hamster abscesses are relatively common but also easy to prevent in many cases. If your hamsters are fighting, there are several things you can try. Providing them with a larger enclosure as well as separate food and water areas can help reduce territorial fighting. If it continues, you may need to house them separately. Note that the Syrian hamster—also called the golden hamster—is known to be highly territorial and should always live alone. See our Syrian Hamster Care Sheet for more about this popular pet. Most other types of hamsters also prefer their own habitats.

Providing the right habitat can also help prevent hamster abscesses. Keeping the habitat clean can help reduce infections, and using soft bedding like paper instead of wood shavings can help prevent cuts and splinters that can turn into something more serious. Provide plenty of wood blocks for chewing; this natural behavior helps file down their teeth and prevent overgrowth. Remove any sharp or rusted objects.

Feeding a high-quality pelleted diet appropriate for their species can help keep your hamster in good overall health and support a strong immune system. Hamsters should receive regular vet checkups—preferably biannually—to monitor their teeth and overall health. Also consult your veterinarian if you notice any injuries. They can provide antibiotics that may help prevent an abscess on a hamster from forming.  

Prognosis for hamster abscesses 

As with many health conditions, the earlier an abscess is caught, the better the prognosis. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the hamster’s bloodstream and the outcome probably won’t be good—medications may not help at that point, and it can become fatal. Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible whenever you suspect an issue with your hamster’s health.  

While hamsters are considered relatively low maintenance, knowing what to look out for is still key to keeping your pet happy and healthy. Preventing hamster abscesses starts with setting up the right habitat and providing the mental and physical stimulation they need. Check out our New Hamster Guide to help give your pet a good start, and be sure to have the number of your small animal veterinarian handy for any questions or concerns.  

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