Subcutaneous abscesses are relatively common in the hamster and are often a consequence of bites between animals kept in the same cage. They are treated by lancing, drainage (under general anaesthesia) and administration of antibiotics. Ideally, an antibiogram of the purulent material should be performed.
Bite wounds (infected crusted lesions), sometimes severe enough to lead to the death of the animal, may sometimes be seen in Golden hamsters, and occasionally in other
hamsters, kept together after puberty. The adversaries must obviously be separated; the wounded hamster is then given antibiotic treatment and any necessary support therapy.
Sometimes male Russian hamsters may develop an infection of the umbilical gland, which appears erythematous, becomes covered by a thick crust and produces a purulent exudate. The treatment consists of gentle removal of the crust and periodic disinfection of the gland with a chlorhexidine-based product or diluted betadine.