Accepted Answer

Thank you for getting back to me. While it's impossible to be certain based only on an online description, this sounds like it may be an abscess that broke open, or a wound that has become infected. You can try a home treatment for a couple of days. start by cleaning it with Betadine (available in the first aid department of discount stores and pharmacies). follow that with a light application of plain Neosporin. Repeat this process twice a day. If this is going to help, you should see an improvement within two days. If there is no improvement, it would be best to see a vet. If the swelling and redness continue to get worse after you've started treatment, you'll also want to see a vet right away. These links will take you to directories of vets who treat rats, and would also be good with hamsters:

http://www.rmca.org/Vets/index.php?action=list

http://www.ratfanclub.org/vetref.html

I strongly encourage you to put your hamsters in separate cages. While the dwarf hamsters are sociable, and get along with others, the panda bear hamsters are a variety of Syrian hamster. They are by nature solitary. When young, they get along with their littermates, but as they mature, they become increasingly intolerant of other hamsters. They usually become territorial and squabbles begin over sleeping spots, food, toys, and even the water bottle. Eventually, the fights become serious. The sore on your hamster's leg may be the result of such a squabble. Unfortunately, what often happens is that a fight will become serious, and life-threatening injuries occur. It's not unusual for Syrian hamsters to fight to the death.

If you have more questions, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope the sore will respond well to home treatemnt.

Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	4/9/2009

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant