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Old 02-21-2018, 05:28 PM   #1
Billy
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Default Older hamster has bald patches - advice needed

Hi everyone,

I've just noticed that my dwarf hamster has two bald patches - both at the top of her back legs. A little bit of the skin looks sore, too.

She's lost some condition over the last month or so - around 10g in weight and her fur isn't so sleek. She's also been more wobbly on her feet. However, she's still eating plenty and rushing around - running on her wheel, etc - and seems happy and bright in herself.

I'd put her lose of condition down to her age - she's 1.5 years old now - however the bald spots have made me worry it's something more.

I'm going to take her to the vets to have her checked over, but I wondered if anyone had experienced anything similar. I'm worried the vet will say it's something awful and say to have her PTS. That doesn't seem fair as she seems to still be enjoying life. I wouldn't want to rob of a few more months of happiness.

Thanks very much.
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Old 02-21-2018, 10:44 PM   #2
cypher
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Default Re: Older hamster has bald patches - advice needed

You do sometimes begin to see signs of ageing from about 18 months but it isn't really that old & I wouldn't expect to see a loss of condition & weight loss from age just yet.
Have you checked that she isn't rubbing against anything in the cage? Given the weight loss & change in condition it's unlikely but that can sometimes be the cause of fur loss.
Check her hoard regularly too just to make sure she is eating enough & not just hoarding all her food.
If she's still eating, peeing etc as normal it's hard to guess what might be wrong.
What do you feed her & have you made any changes to her diet? It's possible she may be lacking in something & that could be a cause.
Any other changes in her environment, routine or anything?
If you think she needs to see a vet then don't be afraid to take her, no good vet is going to suggest PTS if she's active & has a good quality of life.
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