I found a cut on my hamster’s back, its wide but it doesn’t look too deep. I can’t find what it’s from. Is there anything I can/should use to clean the cut?

Thank you for the question about your hamster, many times we see pet owners with good intentions that may try to apply alchohol, hydrogen peroxide or other topical treatments to wounds that often sting the pet and may delay healing of the wound.  If the hamster will allow, you can clean the area with a gentle antibacterial soap (hand soap or dish soap work fine) and be sure to rinse completely and dry the area with a clean paper towel or cloth.  In some cases antibiotics may be indicated (topical and/or systemic) and I would advise you bring your hamster in for an exam with a veterinarian especially if the area has any discharge, appears swollen, is red or feels warm, or the hamster is not eating well.  I also would try to determine the origin of the wound – is there hamster housed alone, anything with a sharp or rough edge in the cage, was it self-inflicted from itching due to parasites, etc.  Please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns or to schedule an appointment for your hamster with one of our veterinarians at 813 973 8566.