Hamster has ringed wound on side

bdog · 08-25-2021, 07:49 PM

Hello everyone, so my hamster is just under 2 years as of when we had gotten him (unsure how long their held at the store before purchasing). But Im very worried of what my little guy has, Ive talked to a few friends/family who are pet vets, but they are unsure of what it could even be. The wound is more in the center in the shape of a circle, and he has a swollen ring surrounding the wound. The wound is healed but red rather than brown, such as a scab. For the mean-time I am putting Neosporin on the wound in hopes it'll heal. I have included a picture for reference, it is hard to get a good one since he's active (not in pain), and can be a bit aggressive when held.

Amethyst_ice · 08-26-2021, 03:55 AM

Hello

You picture upload hasn't been included, could it be ringworm? It sounds like a vet trip may be needed rather than trying to second guess and self medicate

Pebbles82 · 08-26-2021, 04:33 AM

Agree with Amethyst. I wouldn't put neosporin on it. There are only two specific antibiotics hamsters can tolerate without them being toxic to the hamster and I am not sure that is one of them.

Without seeing it, it's hard to know and a vet would need to diagnose to be sure. It could be an abscess. The vet may prescribe antibiotics if they think it is. If it's ringworm, that is fungal and antibiotics would make no difference.

He is very old at 2! So it will be more of a case of minimising stress and keeping him comfortable from any diseases of old age. But I would get him a vet check as it must be causing discomfort/pain.

You'll need a guinea pig sized pet carrier with plenty of bedding in it and a small house - to avoid stress. They usually burrow down in there and go to sleep. A few bits of hamster mix or treats and a piece of cucumber as well (substitute for water temporarily).

bdog · 08-26-2021, 07:59 AM

Sorry the photo wasn’t included, i hope i got it figured out now w the photo. Untitled - Google Photos

bdog · 08-26-2021, 08:05 AM

I googled some photos of what ringworm looks like, and what my hamster has does not look like that. My sister is/was a rat vet, so she was somewhat helpful but even she was unsure of what it is. It is very hard to explain without pictures, but once again I tried to add the photo using google photos. i tried to upload it but it wasn’t working. I hope this helps!

Pebbles82 · 08-26-2021, 08:17 AM

I can see the wound/ring but not clearly where it is on the hamster! You definitely need to see a vet with that. It looks painful. It appears to be a swelling with some kind of sunken head to it. Possibly infected.