Macy again..

Question
Hi, its morgan with macy the hamster again..
The spot is above her right front leg, kind of on her shoulder..
behind her right ear.  When i was looking at it today,
I noticed ANOTHER one, but it was pea-sized.. and it was kind of on her neck/back. Actually, instead of being brown like I said before, they are like a dark grey/brownish. Also, on the larger spot, there are small areas that look slightly darker and more raised than the rest.

Her fur color is white and brown..and it is thinning in some areas, but it seems like the fur is no different where the spots are.

I'm sorry, I'm not able to send a picture now because we
don't have a program installed to do it.
but if you need to see Macy,
I'll send a picture as soon as I can.

Thanks again.


Answer
Hi Morgan

Apart from these spots how is she behaving?  Is she eating/drinking normally or has there been any change in these recently?  Is she active and wanting to come out to play?

It is difficult to know what these lumps are without actually seeing them.  Hamsters can get lumps and bumps - they can get cysts, abscesses, or tumors.  A condition known as polyomavirus can cause small wart like bumps, often close to the head/neck area.  If it is this then it is important that you don't handle any other hamsters (if you have any) without washing your hands first as this condition can be passed from one hamster to another.  If these are polyomavirus then it is possible for the vet to remove these lumps (depending on their position, age and condition of the hamster). I can send you more information about this condition if needed.

If you are able to get a photo over to me that might help - otherwise, do you have a local vet that treats small animals that you could take her to?  It would be worth getting these checked out in case any treatment is needed.  I suggest you confirm consultation fees etc before going as some vets fees can be quite high - also check that there is someone there who does specialise in small animals.

I hope this helps.

Regards