growth on ear

Question
Hi Sheila.  
We have a Winter White hamster who we got last year.  My daughter's class got three of them and the one we inherited was kind of picked on by the other two, separated, and subsequently brought home by us.  Until today, he has been fine.  He is very sweet, doesn't bite, eats well, etc.  I took him out of his environment today to clean it and I noticed a cauliflower-looking growth right next to, if not coming out of, his left ear.  It is attached to him.  I am extremely worried and being Sunday, I can't take him to the doctor until tomorrow.  I have looked on several websites to see if I could find out what it might be and if there's anything I can do for him in the meantime, but I'm stumped.  If you have any ideas, I would appreciate your input.

Thanks,
Wendy

Answer
Hi Wendy

I'm afraid I've not come across this before.  When you think of lumps and bumps - they tend to be cysts, abscesses or tumours.  Does it look as though there is fluid in it?  or would you say it is more fleshy?  I had a hamster once who suffered from polyomavirus - this caused strange looking lumps - almost wart like lumps - they had to be removed, but he lived to a good old age.

Sorry I can't be more help at the moment - I'd be interested to know more about his condition.

Regards