Why is my hamster's tail cut turning black and getting bigger?

Thanks for reaching out. Could this be a bite wound from the other hamster? The dark skin is probably necrotic (dead) dermis. It could be an abscess. Infections should be treated with systemic antibiotics and possible anti-inflammatories/analgesia, as it could be painful. A veterinary visit is recommended, as only a veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics. Good luck.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths.

With the swelling, I would be concerned that Midnight has an abscess. I think it would be a good idea to take her into the vet for antibiotics. This should make the infection clear up quickly. Otherwise it could take weeks to heal and it can rarely become chronic which means it does not heal. I hope this helps!

Thanks for reaching out. Ear abscesses and ear tumors are fairly common in hamsters. You can try to gently clean with warm water and a cotton tipped applicator, but don't rub too hard as these tumors can bleed a fair amount. If the scab comes out easy and it appears as pus, a veterinary visit is needed to prescribe otic and systemic antibiotics. If it seems like a mass (i.e. tumor), a veterinary visit is needed for this treatment. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Galya. You can clean the abscess are with a warm, moistened cloth or cotton tipped applicator. Topical medications are often ingested and can cause gastrointestinal upset, so not recommended. Try clipping the fur around the open lesion to lessen contamination. Continue with the oral antibiotics if hamster appropriate. Providing heat support in the 75 F range could give some aid, not letting it get too cold. If this veterinarian can't help you, find one who can. Good luck.

I am sorry to hear about Trixie. Unfortunately without seeing her for an exam it is very difficult to determine the cause. Possibilities would include an abscess (pocket of infection), a tumor, or if she is outdoors at all or around flies we can also see a fly larvae called a cuterebra cause a swelling with a small hole (which the larvae breaths through). I would recommend an exam by a veterinarian because all of these things require examination to diagnose and treat.

Thanks for reaching out about Biddy. Is Biddy new? Could it have been a fight with another animal? Hair loss, swollen and scabbed sounds like a wound. This could be parasitic, bacterial, fungal, endocrine and more. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Do not apply anything topical such as Neosporin as some of these medications can be ingested and cause problems. Good luck.