My hamster is barely moving, like hibernating, and has a lump. Why?

Stormz needs to see a veterinarian immediately. This appears to potentially be a problem with his cheek pouch and I'm concerned that it's turning black because the tissue is dead. Please have him seen quickly.

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.

It sounds as if your hamster is very sick. Usually when hamsters become so ill in such a short period of time there is not a good outcome. There could be several different things going on that have caused Comet to become ill so quickly. My best recommendation is to have Comet examined by a veterinarian to give him the best chance of recovery. I hope this helps. Best of luck. 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!

Thanks for reaching out about Keystone. Wonder if he is having some continued respiratory problems such as exercise intolerance due to lung fibrosis, continued infection or heart disease. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

He could have had a stroke or these signs could be compatible with an inflammation of the middle ear (causing vestibular signs). I would recommend a check up to confirm or rule out these clinical suspicion and give appropriate treatment. In case of an otitis antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hi, sorry to hear about Stitch. From the pictures I can see small lumps on his body. Due to his age, I have a feeling these are tumors. Dwarf hamsters only live to be about two years old. Removing the tumors at his age would not help him. I think he is over grooming himself due to the tumors. I am sorry to say this, but I believe he may be at the end of his life and there is not much to help him. Taking him to an exotic vet can confirm this. I would also examine him carefully for mites and clean all of his cage and replace the bedding to see if that helps. A soft bedding made from recycled paper can make him more comfortable. Also, you can feed some some extra fruit and veggies to keep him eating. Good luck, I hope this helps!