Abscesses

                           ---------



Abscesses are most often caused by bite wounds from fighting.

These wounds become infected, forming abscesses that appear as

firm, painful lumps under the skin.  Abscesses from injuries

other than bite wounds may be indistinguishable from those that

result from fighting.



Abscesses of one or both cheek pouches are also very common among

pet hamsters.  These commonly result from penetrating wounds to

the lining of the pouch caused by harsh foods or bedding

materials.  It may be very difficult for you to know whether a

swelling in the area of the cheek pouch is an abscess or simply

food or bedding being temporarily stored within the pouch.

Generally speaking, the swelling resulting from a cheek pouch

abscess persists, but a pouch swelling from stored food or

bedding disappears when the animal empties its cheek pouch.



If an abscess is detected or suspected, the abscess must be

opened and the pus drained or removed by a veterinarian.  An

appropriate antibiotic also will be prescribed.  Furthermore,

the underlying cause(s) for the abscess must be eliminated, if

possible.