Hamster Bleeding Ears

Question
My female Syrian hamster is just about 1yr old and I have noticed over the past couple of weeks some lumps on her body which are causing concern to me. She has a small red/black lump under her chin and a small lump on her foot. Also when I came home from work yesterday there was blood coming from her right ear, and it looked like there was a lump inside which had burst. Tonight I noticed the other ear was bleeding. Could I please have some advice on what it might be?

Answer
Hi Anna

I'm really sorry to hear about your hamster.  It is hard to know what is wrong, but I would strongly advise getting a vet to check her out.  I had a hamster that developed a number of small lumps around his head and on his leg - this turned out to polyomavirus.  This is very contagious to other hamsters.  In his case, the lumps were removed before they ruptured.  The bleeding you describe sounds like something has ruptured.  If it is this, and providing there is no permanent damage to the ear, then it might be possible to have these lumps removed.  My hamster underwent 3 operations to remove the lumps as they can reappear, and he was fine.

However, the bleeding from your hamster's ear is a concern to me.  It is hard to know if this is what is wrong with her and I think that the sooner she is examined the better.  If you don't have a vet that you know it would be worth phoning one or two to find out if they have anyone who specialises in small animals - also check their examination fee - usually there is a much reduced charge for a hamster, and it is always worth confirming this before the appointment.  They will be able to confirm if this is a treatable condition, or if not, they will advise you accordingly.

I'm sorry I can't say for sure what is wrong but I hope she is OK.

Regards
Sheila