Why is my hamster wobbling with a large ear lump and squinting?

Thanks for reaching out. Ear abscesses and ear tumors are fairly common in hamsters. You can try to gently clean with warm water and a cotton tipped applicator, but don't rub too hard as these tumors can bleed a fair amount. If the scab comes out easy and it appears as pus, a veterinary visit is needed to prescribe otic and systemic antibiotics. If it seems like a mass (i.e. tumor), a veterinary visit is needed for this treatment. Good luck.

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 Lune. Hair loss is probably due to scratching. The redness inside the ear could be due to infection, inflammation, mites or tumors in the ear. Unfortunately, a veterinary visit is needed for a diagnosis and then to prescribe a treatment. Care must be taken not to apply any topical medications as self grooming is common, and ingestion of medications can be critical. Try to look inside the ear to visualize any lesions. Good luck.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From your description, it sounds like Beta may have some masses, which are increasing in size and possibly spreading. These can be cancerous, skin infections, or insect bites. I recommend taking your hamster to the vet, who can take small samples of these areas and determine exactly what is going on. You may elect to have these masses removed completely, as well.

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.

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.

This appears to be a mass of some sort on your hamster. Depending on the age of your hamster, it is likely either an abscess or a tumor. I would recommend having your hamster checked out by a vet to be accurately diagnosed. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.