My hamster's front paw disappeared into its skin. What could it be?

This is usually and commonly the result either of a trauma of an infection. Unfortunately without more clinical informations is going to be hard to give you more specific advices. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

This may be a small area of infection on your hamster’s foot or could be something like feces or a food particle that has gotten stuck there. I would recommend taking your hamster out and trying to clean the area with a warm, wet cloth and see if it goes away. If not, keep a close eye on it. If the spot becomes larger, the foot becomes swollen, or your hamster stops wanting to eat, you should take her in to be examined by a veterinarian. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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!

Thanks for reaching out about Ethel. Is she removing the fur by licking the leg, possibly in response to pain? Concerns would be around trauma to the leg and possible belly. Fur can also be lost due to external parasites, such as mites, which are microscopic and cause itching. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a treatment plan. Monitor for appetite and defecation, mobility, etc. Good luck.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) may be needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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!

I am so very sorry to hear of your concern for Snoopy. It is difficult for us to say without being able to palpate/feel the area. A tumor or cancer is possible but we could also possibly have an abscess or wound here- if he had somehow injured himself on his cage or if he is with another hamster who injured him. I think it is worth bringing Snoopy to a vet if you are able for an exam.