Hamsters have large cheek pouches that they use to store food.Sometimes, the lining of one or both cheek pouches can get scratched by something.The scratch can be colonized bybacteria.A pocket of infection forms to wall off the rest of the infection.If your hamster has a cheek abscess, you should take it to your vet for treatment.
Step 1: Determine if your hamster has a problem.
It is important to determine if your hamster's swollen cheeks are due to an abscess or food storage before treatment begins.Your hamster can stuff a lot of food into them and make them look swollen, because their cheek pouches are so large.There is no abscess if the swelling goes down after your hamster empties the pouch.Your hamster may have a cheek abscess if the swelling doesn't go down.Your hamster would be sick from an abscess.Your hamster may look unwell and eat less.A cheek pouch full of food wouldn't make your hamster sick.
Step 2: Take your hamster to the vet.
Take your hamster to the vet if you think it has an injury.The swollen cheek pouches will be examined by your vet.Your vet may need to tranquilize your hamster.Give the vet as much information as you can about your pet.Tell your vet what your hamster eats, as well as the type of bedding in its cage.When you first noticed the cheek swelling, tell your vet.
Step 3: Allow your vet to treat it.
The vet will open the abscess and allow it to drain.Your vet will anesthetize your hamster when he opens the abscess.Once your hamster is anesthetized, your vet will open the abscess with a sharp surgical instrument.A surgical drain is used to drain the abscess.The drain will prevent the contents of the abscess from entering your hamster's mouth.Your vet will clean the empty pocket and flush it with an antiseptic solution that will kill any remainingbacteria.If your hamster recovers well from the surgery, you should be able to take it home the same day.
Step 4: Antibiotics should be given to your hamster.
An antibiotic will be prescribed by your vet for you to give your hamster.The entire course of antibiotics can be given if you follow the prescription instructions.Future treatment is very challenging if you stop the treatment early.The antibiotic is likely to be in liquid form.If you want to administer the antibiotic, you have to draw up the prescribed amount in a small needle.Push the contents of the needle into the hamster's mouth.The vet can give you the needles.Ask your vet to show you how to use it if you're not sure.If you can't give your hamster the antibiotic, contact the vet.
Step 5: Your vet will trim your hamster's teeth.
Overgrown incisors are the most likely cause of an abscess.Your vet will need to trim your hamster's incisors down if they are overgrown.You can trim the teeth yourself.You could cause damage to the teeth.Your hamster will need to have its teeth trimmed.Your vet may want you to have your teeth cleaned.
Step 6: Feed your hamster food while he heals.
The linings of the cheek pouches can be scratched if your hamster eats something sharp.As your hamster heals from his abscess, you should feed him cereals and rice.Adding water to the pellets will make them softer, not so much that they become soggy.Talk to your vet about how much of the soft food to feed your hamster.
Step 7: Your hamster needs to get enough fiber.
It is unlikely that hay or chew toys will hurt your hamster's cheek and cause another abscess.If you deprive your hamster of these things, he may be more likely to get another abscess, as his teeth may become overgrown without fiber and things to gnaw on.Pine and cedar are toxic to hamsters, so make sure the wood you use is not pine or cedar.
Step 8: Use only soft bedding in your hamster's cage.
It is important to prevent cheek abscesses after your hamster has been treated for a cheek abscess.Soft bedding will not scratch the lining of your hamster's cheek pouches, which is a great prevention strategy.Soft bedding is ideal for your hamster.If you tear toilet paper or paper towels into strips, you don't have to buy shredded paper.It's not necessary to make a permanent switch if you want to provide soft bedding while your hamster recovers.Soft beddings like Carefresh® and Yesterday's News can be purchased.There are sharp edges to wood, hay, and straw.Don't use them in your hamster's cage.A thick layer of bedding is needed on the cage floor.When the bedding becomes dirty or wet, replace it.