Her parents had consulted another vet for a chest swelling of the dwarf hamster. Four bottles of medication given by Vet 1. 

The swelling had grown larger over the past 2 weeks. Medicines were ineffective. Was this swelling a tumour, abscess or haematoma or a combination? The answer got only be obtained from surgery. It was a large fatty tumour, possibly a mammary neoplasia. No histopathology was done as it would increase veterinary fees. 

As it was not possible to stitch the large wound near a high tension armpit area, the young lady had to keep the wound clean daily. The wound healed and the hamster was normal again.

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Case 2 - Dwarf Hamster. Styes or eyelid abscesses

Eyelid infections may recur. Most likely it is due to the hamster going into the feed bowl to eat his seeds and other food which includes powdery food stuff.

Many Singapore owners just give a bountiful supply of hamster food including powdery food stuff. Some food particles or powder may have lodged inside the eyes and infection develops as the hamster rubs and traumatises his eyes. It is a theory hard to prove as other hamsters have no problem. 
 

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Case 3 - Dwarf Hamsters bite each other. Bite lacerated wound

Such wounds are hard to treat. In the dog, an Elizabeth collar may be effective but no self-respecting hamster would tolerate such a collar. The father applied yellow disinfectant medicine onto the wound. But it would not heal as the hamster licked the wound and medicine. If he keeps on doing it, the hamster would be poisoned by the chemicals.

How to treat such a case? It is best to consult your vet. Separate the two hamsters. Adult dwarf hamsters living together may not be a good idea as they fight and bite each other.

This hamster was warded at Toa Payoh Vets. The wound is treated daily to let it heal by granulation and the hamster is given anti-inflammatory to reduce itchiness. It will take at least 14 days to get the wound to dry up. 

When dwarf hamsters grow up, separate them?