very infected wound

[fluffytruffle]

So about a week and a half ago my syrian hamster suddenly got covered in sores. Most are small but theres a very big one on the stomach.

Went to the vet thursday and she prescribed antibiotics, which have not helped at all.

The wound on his stomach is very nasty looking its smelly and covered in pus.
I'v ordered some manuka honey which will arrive tomorrow and obviously hes on antibiotics and im cleaning his wound daily.

Im gonna ask for him to be referred to a rodent specialist Monday because the vet thursday didnt seem to know much. But what can the vet do for him? im so worried.

This is his stomach when i first noticed it


This is it now

[Pebbles82]

That does look nasty. I hope antibiotics do the trick. Did the vet say what might have caused it? Do you think he could have cut himself on something in the cage? Nails in a house or something? It doesn't sound like that though if he has other sores, it sounds like something breaking out that is getting infected. Fingers crossed the antibiotics and vet can help him make a full recovery.

[souffle]

Does he have any fur loss or black patches on the skin? It does have the look of end stage Cushing's disease. I hope the meds help him. It can take several days to kick in and also if the bug is not sensitive may need changed.

[fluffytruffle]

Honestly the vet was awful. she looked at him for a few seconds said it may be a skin infection. and said we can try him on anti biotics and anti inflammatorys.

Then when i went to pick up the meds they said anti inflammatory arnt licensed for hamsters so he can only have the anti biotics.

She didnt even have a proper look at his stomach. Thats why im thinking of going to a different vet monday.

Definitely hasnt cut himself nothing sharp in his cage, he has sores on his chin both ears, neck and stomach. The stomach is the worst though.

The neck and ear look like absecces to be honest there bloody lumps.

[fluffytruffle]

Yes lots of black pigmentation everywhere, and hair loss on his stomach and ears.

[DrKMcK]

I think Souffle has it...that looks like Cushing's disease. I hope you can find an exotics vet, someone who can better address this for you. Poor little hammy. What's his name?

[fluffytruffle]

This is his ear a few days ago (both are hurt though)


And thats his mouth when it first started



he seems to be scratching alot to but i guess all the sores are probably itchy

[fluffytruffle]

Hes called Truffle. hate seeing him in so much pain. I was thinking it might be skin cancer or something but cushings fits to

[DrKMcK]

I hate to see any furry in pain. Bear in mind that, as a prey animal, hamsters will often not show they are hurting. In nature, animals who show they are ill may be attacked and killed by other animals, even those of their own kind, So Truffle may not be showing much pain. This looks to be a serious problem, so be prepared to help him to the Rainbow Bridge if it looks like his quality of life is getting poor. An exotics vet will be able to give you a better idea of what Truffle needs at this point.

[fluffytruffle]

He's definitely in pain he keep squealing when ever he tries moving around.

But at the same time he begs for attention and food as he always has.

I'm hoping if the infection can be cleared up i can keep him comfortable despite whatevers causing it but i'm starting to accept that might not be the case.