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My dwarf hamster has a lump on its leg. What should I do to help him?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | 1 year and 4 months old

My daughter's Russian dwarf hamster has developed a large lump under the skin on his left leg. It seems to have appeared over about a week and is the size of a marble. Could we do anything to help him

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on October 8th, 2017

It may be an abscess or mass. A visit to your veterinarian would be recommended. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. If it is an abscess, it may be drained and antibiotics dispensed. If it a mass, benign or malignant, you can discuss treatment options with your veterinarian.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 3rd, 2018

    Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What you are describing can be an abscess, a growth or mass, or a deep wound. I would be happy to take a look at a photo to give you a better idea of what may be going on. You can also have Gus seen by a vet as he may need antibiotics or pain medication. I hope all is well!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 10th, 2018

    Hamsters are prone to getting tumors and abscesses. This could bei either, or a swelling after injuring the leg. Without seeing a photo and being able to palpate the lesion, I am afraid, I cannot tell you which type of lump it is. I suggest you take Otis to your vet for an exam. He may need pain medicine and/or antibiotics, if this is an abcess or a fracture and a tumor may need to be removed surgically.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 21st, 2019

    Thanks for reaching out about Fred. A hard lump on the leg could mean an abscess, neoplasia, fracture/callus, cyst, just to name a few. Its good to hear he is not favoring the leg, but a veterinary examination is recommended to determine if this needs additional attention before getting worse.
    Good luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

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My old dwarf hamster has a leg lump. How can I make him comfortable?
These types of tumors are very common in old hamsters, they do tend to grow fast too. it's not possible to know how long he has left, but probably not very long. if the problem is affecting him locally only, there is a surgical option to have it removed, which is the only thing that can help at this point.
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Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
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If Hannibal has an abscess, this is actually painful and can make him quite sick. Hamsters are good at hiding illnesses and pain because they are prey animals, so he may be feeling pretty badly without seeing obvious signs. The best thing for him is to have him seen by a vet in the morning. An abscess has to be treated by a vet.
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