Blocked Scent Gland?

[PinkEmily]

Basically one of my russian dwarfs had a reddish/brownish plug in his scent gland, its like a lump. Is there anything i can do at home to save me going the vet, because last time i did that he told me my female hamster had cancer and was going to die, but shes still alive 6 months later and healed herself. :shock:

Ive compared it to my other male hamster so i no something aint right.

Ive got some pictures, you cant really see it very well, didnt want to scare him by taking loads of photos.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o24/pink_princess_emily/TedScentgland002.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o24/pink_princess_emily/TedScentgland001.jpg

Any ideas?
Thanks

[souffle]

It does not look right as you have noticed. Is there any discharge from the gland? It looks to me like an abscess which is quite common in dwarf hamsters. With the scent gland so near to the ground it is easy for them to pick up infections. I think you do need to take him to the vets as he will likely need antibiotics or possible draining and flushing if there is a pus filled capsule. Infections can overwhelm little hamsters quite quickly so I would suggest you do take him and suggest this is what it may be and get an expert opinion. It could also be a wound if he is in with another hamster. Does it seem like a scab on top of the scent gland?
With some cancers, hamsters can live quite long times after diagnosis especially if they are slow growing and do not spread to other areas.
I hope he gets well soon.

[PinkEmily]

No there doesnt seem to be any discharge. Hes booked in at the vets for 4.30 tomorrow. Hes not in a cage with any of the other hamsters. It looks like a scab yes but a big round one. its strange. Id have a better look but i dont want to irritate it if i dont know what it is. He seems fine in himself although he has been sleeping a lot recently, i havent seen him as much as the other two.

[souffle]

It could have been an abscess that has burst hence the plug. They often refill again so best have him seen. He probably feels a bit off with the infection. Hope he gets on well tomorrow and let us know what the vet says

[babyboos]

Hopefully the vet will just tell you to keep it clean and he should get better in time with no major intervention. He may get an antibiotic (Bayril usually). Do let us know how you get on.

[PinkEmily]

Took Ted to the vet today, couldnt make it on friday. Basically she said it looks like an ulcer. Shes given me Baytril and some Dermisol cream to put on it. If its not better in 11 days then they may need to operate.
Hopefully that wont happen, hes quite happy in himself.

Ive changed his wood shavings to Carefresh incase that injured him.

Also, i have bought some baby food to put the Baytril in, hes got Creamed Porrige breakfast, Veg with rice and chicken and banana yogurt breakfast. Anyone used these?

Reading on the back, one has lemon in, and one has onion, obv these are only small amounts, will it still be ok to give them to Ted or should i avoid them?? Please help :(

[souffle]

I hope he feels better soon with the meds. The baby foods will contain such a tiny amount of the flavouings that I think it will be safe to give them. Sometimes they wont take it from food and it is best if you can syringe it in to their mouth as you know they have had the full dose. After you do this give the baby food right away to take the taste away.

[babyboos]

I never have any problems administering Baytril - all my hamsters love the taste it seems :-) If need be though add some cranberry juice, or apple juice. As for the baby foods they should be okay, whether he will eat much of them is another thing though as I find my dwarf hamsters can be quite picky when it comes to baby gourmet. So is my baby getting for that matter. Good job our doggie is less discerning :wink:

[PinkEmily]

Thanks for the replies, i will try give it in the syringe then give him the baby food. Going to see if the other hammies like it too :). They loved the ready break i gave them last week :)

[PinkEmily]

Well i found it really difficult to put the syringe in his mouth, and he ended up licking some of it off my fingers. I dont think he got the whole 0.1ml he needed, so will try find another way tomorrow. He went mad for his baby food though :)

[PinkEmily]

Update: The antibiotics and cream dont look to have done anything as yet. He still has until thursday though. Hes still a happie chappie, and loves the extra attention he gets when i put his cream on, he has to stay out to play for a while so that i can check hes not cleaning it off him, although he does find it tasty :shock: