hamster blood blister

Question
Hello, Hammie the Hamster is a pretty old fellow, but he's quite energetic,
has a great appetite, and all around is a normal guy. I used to be employed
by a pet store and he was given to me by a customer who no longer wanted
him about a year ago. He has had what appears to be a blood blister near his
back / back right leg that has been getting bigger with time. It grows at a
rapid rate and I squeeze the blood out once a week. He doesn't seem to be in
any pain, and until this week it was only filled with blood. when I drained it
this time around I felt a small hard lump, which came out. I examined it and
it appeared to be some mushy type of mass. I really don't know what this is,
but I really don't have the money to take him to the vet for this and I don't
want to put him to sleep if it's not affecting his everyday life. Any insight?

Answer
Marissa -

Take your hamster to the vet to have the lump examined.  I cannot venture to give you a diagnosis without first examining your pet.  Your vet can give your hamster a physical and should be able to get to a definitive diagnosis.

Best Regards.

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM