Hamsters make delightful family pets, and it’s easy to become attached to them. If you’ve noticed that your hamster has a lump on his bum, what could be causing this?
Lumps on a hamster’s bum are usually nothing to worry about. Benign tumors are common in hamsters, do not grow large, and do not cause pain. Also, a male hamster’s testicles are located close to his bottom, expand when warm, and contract when cooler. This could be the lump you’re worried about.
In this article, I’ll discuss whether or not lumps on hamsters are dangerous. I’ll also discuss treatment options and what kind of hamster is most susceptible to lumps. Let’s get started!
Are Lumps on Hamsters Dangerous?
Lumps on hamsters aren’t typically dangerous. For instance, in male hamsters, the testicles will swell or grow more prominent in warm weather and then shrink again when the temperature cools. A female hamster’s mammary glands will swell during pregnancy, a sign that her body is preparing to provide milk for the litter.
Aside from this, below are some signs that your hamster’s lump requires veterinary attention:
- Discoloration
- Irregular shape
- Rapid lump growth
Some hamster illnesses that involve potentially dangerous lumps include:
- Impacted cheek pouches from stored food
- Lymphoma
- An infected tooth
Treatment for Hamster Lumps
A veterinarian’s course of action will vary depending on what’s causing the lump. Below is a useful table explaining how your vet may decide to treat your hamster:
| Ailment | Treatment |
| Hematoma | Drainage |
| Lymphoma | Drainage |
| Bacterial Infection | Cleaning/Antibiotics |
| Tumor | Surgical Removal |
The above problems will often also cause noticeable symptoms in your hamster:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Smelly breath
Hamsters typically live between 2 and 5 years, depending on the species. Your hamster has a good outlook as long as you seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
What Kind of Hamster Is Most Prone to Lumps?
Dwarf hamsters are the most prone to lumps. The Syrian (or teddy bear) hamster is the most common pet hamster, which has a lower incidence of developing lumps.
In hamsters, the most common and benign tumors don’t occur in the bum but in the thyroid and adrenal glands. To diagnose whether a lump is cancerous, your veterinarian may perform a biopsy, which involves drawing a sample of the lump into a syringe and having it tested.
How To Prevent Your Hamster from Developing a Lump
Hamster lumps are common, and most are not dangerous. However, ailments in these furry little guys are less likely to occur, provided they receive the proper care.
To make your hamster happier and healthier, maintain the following:
1. Keep Your Hamster’s Living Space Clean
Hamsters are busy and messy creatures, and their living spaces can quickly become dirty. Clean out your hamster’s enclosure every few days to ensure it doesn’t become a space where bacteria can flourish. Bacteria in a hamster’s living space can make them vulnerable to infections which can, in turn, lead to lumps.
2. Feed Your Hamster a Healthy Diet
Feeding your hamster a healthy diet with plenty of fresh water, vegetables, and nutritious hamster food can keep it healthy and help it to develop a strong immune system. This gives your hamster the best chance of fighting off conditions that can cause lumps.
3. Take Your Hamster to the Vet Regularly
Like any other pet, your hamster should receive regular veterinary care. Even if your hamster seems healthy, it’s worth taking them to the vet once a year for a general health check. This will allow your vet may uncover any conditions that could lead to lumps early on.
Conclusion
A lump near your hamster’s bum could be caused by swollen testicles or mammary glands, or a tumor. It’s not usually anything to be concerned about, but you should take your hamster to the vet for evaluation, anyway.
Even if the lump is serious, a veterinarian can provide successful treatment if the problem is caught early enough.