Why does my hamster have a black crusty growth on his side?

Question

My Syrian hamster has a black crusty growth on his side (perhaps his hip). He appears to not be in pain. He likes being held and moves about fine. And doesn't wince or try and bite me when held. He happily runs in his ball and has not lost his appetite. He is 18 months old. Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | unneutered

Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA · Accepted Answer

It is difficult to suggest what this might be without a visual. However, crusty scabs can either be due to infection (bacterial, fungal or viral) or due to a parasitic infection (mites, fleas etc). Benign sebaceous cysts can also sometime form crusty scabs as can malignant masses. Your veterinarian will be able to perform testing (skin scrape and cytology or fine needle aspirate) to determine what the scab is and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Why does my hamster have a black crusty growth on his side?

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