Bump in hamsters ear

Question
QUESTION: My hamster had about a month ago a bit of blood with puss in his ear.  It healed and now within the past 2 weeks he has a lump that keeps getting bigger coming out of the ear canal.  He is 2 years old and I'm not sure if this is an absess or a tumor.  If it is an absess can I treat it with warm compresses.  Please help?  Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Vanessa

I'm sorry to hear about your hamster.

I would advise getting veterinary help - if it is an abscess it will probably need draining and antibiotics given.  If it is a tumor, then there is probably nothing that can be done as I suspect it can't be removed (also due to your hamster's age surgery probably isn't an option).

It might be worth applying a warm compress and seeing if this draws out any pus, but if it is a tumor I doubt this will do any good unless the tumor has ruptured and infected.  Also, the question would be that if it is a tumor how far into the head does it go - is it superficial to the ear or is in inside your hamster's head?  I had a gerbil once who developed a brain tumor - his head started to get very large - sadly there was nothing that could be done on this occasion.

How is your hamster behaving in himself?  Is he bright or is he dull?  This lump could be making him miserable (earache is always painful).  Is he still eating/playing normally?  Hamsters do slow down a bit around this age which is normal, but he should still come out of his nest to explore and have food.

The key thing is to keep the area clean and if necessary give pain relief. Whilst aspirin can be given (you need a tiny amount of a standard dose (300mg)tablet - crush it and divide into 25 then mix this 1/25th with water) the best pain relief is Metacam as this is an anti-inflammatory but (certainly in the UK) this is only available through a vet (you only need to give half a drop daily).  Do you have a local vet that you could consult?  It would be worth confirming their consultation fee before going as some vets do charge a lot (even for small animals) but I think it would be worth getting someone to have a look at this.  If it is an abscess or a cyst then it might be easy to treat.  If it is a tumor your vet may advise euthanasia, I'm afraid.

I do hope you get on OK.

Regards

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Sheila,

My hamster went to the vet today and it was a mass growing out of the ear.  She didn't feel he need to be put down just yet.  He still has some fight in him.  She removed the mass and now he is recovering.  We'll see how he does in a day or so.  Thank you for your info.

Regards,

Venessa

Answer
Hi Vanessa

I'm really glad you took him to a vet and he has received treatment.  These little creatures have a tremendous will to live and whilst they can deteriorate rapidly in a very short space of time they can also improve as quickly. I'll keep my fingers crossed for him and hopefully he will recover well from this.

Regards