My hamster has a black, hard lump and is lethargic. Is it serious?

Lumps can alwys be a tumor, a cyst, or an Abscess. When it is black and solid, it could be melanoma, when it is black and fluctuating, it could be a hematoma. Unfortunately without a photo and the ability to palpate the lump I cannot say which type it might be. However your vet will be able to tell, and if necessary he can determine the type of mass with a fine needle aspirate where a tissue sample is harvested with a very thin needle. Treatment varies depending on diagnosed condition.

I can't really see properly as the pictures are very blurry but it is likely to be his cheek pouch that is protruding outside, you will have to take him to the vet ASAP, the pouch will need to either been sutured back inside or removed surgically.

Hello, I'm sorry to hear this about Stark. I worry that his laying without moving could be a sign of extreme weakness. The knot near his genitals could be a tumor or sign of infection. I'd recommend taking Stark to his veterinarian as soon as possible for an assessment. They will be able to guide you best after a physical exam. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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!

Hamsters that become extremely lethargic unfortunately rarely survive, it could be a bloat or a gastrointestinal infection, it could also be due to a tumor, it's hard to say, you need to take him to the vet urgently.

Thanks for reaching out. Could this be a bite wound from the other hamster? The dark skin is probably necrotic (dead) dermis. It could be an abscess. Infections should be treated with systemic antibiotics and possible anti-inflammatories/analgesia, as it could be painful. A veterinary visit is recommended, as only a veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics. Good luck.

This could be an impacted cheek, an abscess or a tumor. Your vet may want to sedate Neville in order to properly look into the cheek without causing him too much stress. If Neville has an impaction, the vet will remove the food and check the pocket and teeth for injury or reasons for the impaction. If he finds an abscess, which could easily occur when some spiky food causes an injury, he will likely drain and flush it. As for a tumor, he may suggest to remove it or not. That will depend on the type of tumor and the size and also on the age of your hamster.