Etiology: Females will attack males during mating. Males will fight briefly when first placed in new environments as a means of establishing social dominance.

Incidence: Fight wounds in hamsters are common.

Clinical Signs: Skin wounds and scabbing are observed around the tail and hindquarters. Subcutaneous abscesses are frequent sequelae.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made by observation of fighting and aggression within the cage as well as clinical signs.