Rubbing?

[fluffymunchkins]

First thread in the new section :mrgreen:
But i do have an important question!

Since i was told Treo had 3 legs i knew i'd have to keep an eye on him in case he rubs himself sore or anything.
I've noticed recently that he now has a bald patch where his 'leg' should be :(
Which he didn't have when i first got him but i think its because he now runs on his wheel and everything.
He does drag his bum a bit :roll:

Anyway, if it does become sore what could i do to help him?
Or any precautions i can take to prevent it?

The lil man in question:
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx57/Piggylicious2009/Treo/DSCF0827-1.jpg

[annie81]

i think you would have to remove the wheel if he became sore on his stump...at least to let it heal completely.

...maybe you could pad the wheel ab bit. but i dont have a clue how to do that...i am rubbish at diy ;-)

[Hope]

Aww poor little chap, I'm not sure really Mel. Is the patch just bald, or does it look sore? I suppose the wheel will have to be removed if it gets too sore.

[laura]

It may be a hybrid hamster genetic thing or it could be due to stress, or even heat if it is very warm where he is kept. My hamster ghost is a hybrid and he has balding near his back legs and his is not sore, red or scabby and he has been to a vet who has confirmed it is not a parasite or anything. (Ghost seems to grow back a bit if he is kept away from loud noises and disruptions, so we think his may be stress-our sensitive little boy gets stressed out easily!) I would suggest maybe going to the vet just incase it is a fungal infection, but it could possibly be the friction on the wheel or maybe a bit of stress. Could also be hormone changes if he is an older hamster... He's such a cute little guy! Hope his hair grows back soon!

[souffle]

I think it is the wheel running that is causing this. It is really important not to let it cause a break in the skin as this can turn nasty is infection gets in as if it reaches the bone it is hard to get rid of.
To start with I would limit wheel time to one hour a day and see if that helps. You may want to try him on no wheel at all and give lots of toys instead. Dwarfs love climbing an and out of boxes and pots and you can bury his food to keep him busy.
I hope he is OK and if you try this and the fur grows back you will know that he is best suited without a wheel.

[Katty_Sheldon]

My hamster had sore patches on his skin, in his arm pits. I ignored it for quite a long time but then it became reddish. Then i took him to the vet, vet gave a cream, and after some 2 weeks of creaming it became much better and some fur started to grow. So i recommend also the vet...:)

[SnickersTheFirst]

As long as it isn't red or caused a break in the skin he should be okay but I'd have to agree and say it is most likely due to him running on the wheel.

[fluffymunchkins]

Thanks guys, i will try limiting his wheel time and see if it helps :)
He really does enjoy his wheel more lately and can't really use climbing toys so i feel bad:(
Although he has made a new game of climbing up the mesh at the back of his cabinet then making me sit their and catch him :roll:
Will look for something nice for him on Equinecaninefeline x

[Hope]

Thanks guys, i will try limiting his wheel time and see if it helps :)
He really does enjoy his wheel more lately and can't really use climbing toys so i feel bad:(
Although he has made a new game of climbing up the mesh at the back of his cabinet then making me sit their and catch him :roll:
Will look for something nice for him on Equinecaninefeline x


You say that like its the answer to everything Mel! :lol:

[fluffymunchkins]

hehe, well any excuse :D
I have been treating myself to a few things...ok so one was a hamster TY cuddley toy :mad: But i just couldn't leave it in the shop!

[BrainGirl]

Aww...poor Treo! If it's not red but just losing fur, is it possible that he will form a callous there that will protect him from injury?

[fluffymunchkins]

forgot to say, its just bald not sore atm!

Braingirl - who knows, but he was born with it so hes used to it by now

[Hope]

Thats a good point actually, it might toughen up over time, like the hard skin on feet?

[fluffymunchkins]

Came back off hol to find that Treos bald patch seems to have grown back???
Would it really grow back that quickly or was it never a bald patch in the first place :/ (i did think it was oone of his manly parts popping out beforehand but thought i had been mstaken)