Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My hamster has an inverted cheek pouch. What should I do & cost?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female

Hello, I need some advice about my hamster. I recently noticed something hanging out of my hamsters mouth and I believe it might be an inverted cheek pouch and I was wondering what I should do. I researched it online and it said that it can only be fixed with surgery. And I don't know how much that would cost. Could my hamster live with it or will it eventually kill her.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 22nd, 2018

Hello. It is possible to try & reposition the cheek pouch under anesthesia, but unless the conditions that caused it are addressed, it may happen again. Normally, we just recommend amputating the pouch & sewing the edges closed. Cost, unfortunately, is based on who is willing to do the surgery, & general costs in your area. Just start calling around the vets in your area to find who is best to help little Buttercup. But I would not leave it alone as it will become traumatized, eventually necrotic, & this is a sad way to die. Hope you can help her soon. Take care.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My old hamster has an everted cheek pouch. Is vet treatment safe?

Thanks for reaching out about Hamlet and including a photo. If this is an everted cheek pouch, a veterinary visit is a necessity. He will likely be chewing on it and will become infected. It is understandable that anesthetic is a risk but return and suturing of the pouch is needed. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My hamster has a lump from its mouth. Is it a protruding cheek pouch?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Hamster has a small hole in cheek pouch. What to do? Will it heal?

Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The hole might have been caused by a perforation or an abscess that opened up. The best recommendation would be to see a veterinarian. If not, try and keep the wound clean with a warm washcloth. Do not apply anything topical such as Neosporin and this will upset the normal bacterial flora of the intestinal tract, if he grooms and ingests some. Monitor to make sure he is eating well and not loosing weight. If kept clean, it could heal up on its own. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My hamster's overgrown tooth pierced cheek. What can the vet do?

Your vet should be able to trim Cookie's teeth. Some hamsters need this done routinely (every 2-3 months) but you may be able to prevent it from happening again by giving him plenty of things to chew on. Hamsters incisors grow continuously which is why they need to be worn down or trimmed regularly. Your vet may also recommend starting so antibiotics since there is an open wound. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My hamster has a painful stomach lump. Is it a tumor? What's the cost?

This is most likely a tumor, which are common in hamsters. it's usually possible to remove such a tumor surgically but of course the risks of anesthesia in hamsters are quite high. price wise this could range between 300-500$.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my hamster's cheek swollen, eye moist, and breathing heavy?

Thanks for reaching out about Cooper and including a photo. Impacted or infected cheek pouches are not uncommon. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Try massaging the cheek pouch in an attempt to empty it. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Dwarf hamster prolapse: Is surgery with anesthesia the best option?

Thanks for reaching out about Princess. Anesthesia should be safe based on whether she is healthy. Underlying heart concerns (liver, kidney, heart) are difficult in hamsters as blood collection requires anesthesia first. It surely sounds as if nothing is done, she will do poorly, so something must be done. Concerns are that putting sutures in isn't addressing the problem of why is she prolapsing in the first place. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share