Why does my female hamster have a red bulge? Is it normal or serious?

thanks for reaching out about Coco and including a photo. this is likely bite wounds from aggression. As one is running away, they get bit on the rump. The two hamsters should be separated. Coco should probably see seen by a veterinarian as antibiotics might help the wounds heal more rapidly. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Thorondor and including a photo. This appears to be a prolapsed rectum and is not normal. This could be an intestinal infection or foreign body can lead to straining and the prolapse. A veterinary visit is highly recommended, as soon as possible as even though seems to come and go, so could become more serious. Try cleaning the tissue with a mild soap. A cloth soaked in sugar solution, can sometimes be used to reduce tissue swelling. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Evangeline. This is an emergency and needs to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Not only does the prolapse need to be treated but the cause determined. Intestinal infections, parasites, obstructions, urinary problems and more are possible. Try to keep the tissue clean and moist until the veterinary visit. Good luck.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and congratulations on your new additions! I can see a darker area on Rosie's bottom, but it is difficult to determine if the lump is actually protruding. Hamsters do have pretty prominent scent glands, and this may be due to poor grooming of the secretions. Older hamsters have a tendency to develop papillomas, which may be uncomfortable and can cause the trouble walking. You should have Rosie seen by a vet to determine exactly what the growth is, they may take a small sample with a fine needle to send off as a biopsy. In the meantime, keep a close eye on the area for increase in size or bleeding, as these are indications for an emergency visit. I hope all is well!

When there is red material from around the rear end, it could be coming from the anus, the reproductive tract, or the urinary tract. Additionally, there could be some kind of trauma in the area as well. Seeing blood intermittently is not uncommon with any of these areas. I would recommend that you have Peanut evaluated by a veterinarian. Since she is eating and drinking normally, you likely don't need to rush in tonight, unless you have an emergency veterinarian who is comfortable with evaluating hamsters. If not, it may be better to wait until your regular veterinarian is available. However, if you see a change in Peanut's attitude or appetite, or if her feet start to look more pale in color than pink, I would recommend taking her in immediately. The pale color would be indicative of her losing a great deal of blood. When at the vet, they will clean the area and try to determine where the red material is coming from. There is a pigment that rodents produce, called porphyrins, that can look similar to blood. Your veterinarian can help to distinguish between the two. I hope that Peanut feels better soon!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I do see what you are referring to in the photo. The bridge of the nose does look somewhat enlarged. Without examining her myself I really can't say what this may be. It could be anything from an injury/trauma to an infection to a tumor. I suggest you get her to a vet for an exam. If she is acting otherwise normal and it doesn't seem to bother her you can monitor it for a week or so and see how it progresses. It may go away. If it doesn't then you should definitely have her examined by a vet. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It sounds like this could be a prolapse. I suggest you get her to a vet for an exam. If you want to post again with some photos we may be able to help you better. The photo you tried to post did not show up.