My hamster has a soft lump on its side. Is it overweight?

If you feel his weight has changed quickly then I would be concerned that he could have something concerning going on such as fluid in the belly, or even a tumor. Of course there is always the chance that he is just overweight. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian. They can let you know if they have any concerns on what they find on physical exam. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

If it has grown rapidly, there is cause for concern. See your veterinarian for an exam. A simple needle aspirate biopsy submitted for pathology can frequently determine the makeup of most lumps.

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!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to say what the lump is without seeing a photo of Poptart. Hamsters can get papillomas (warts) or cancerous masses as well as skin infections. While removal is likely to be one of the best options, you should try to keep the area as clean as possible and look out for any bleeding or ulceration of the growth. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Thanks for reaching out about Freddie Mercury and including a photo. This lump appears to be an abscess or neoplasia and should be assessed by a veterinary in order to provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. A veterinary intervention earlier in the progression of the problem probably has a better prognosis. Good luck.

It may be an abscess or mass. A visit to your veterinarian would be recommended. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. If it is an abscess, it may be drained and antibiotics dispensed. If it a mass, benign or malignant, you can discuss treatment options with your veterinarian.

I am sorry to hear about your hamster. With a swelling like this we would worry about a variety of problems including a cellulitis or inflammation/infection of the tissues, swelling due to trauma like a broken bone, swelling due to edema or disruption of lymph flow, or unfortunately a tumor. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine your hamster to determine the source of the swelling and the possible treatment options.