Small Animal Dip - has anyone used it?

[dunc]

We noticed our poor syrian hamster Ham was losing fur and so took her off to the vets and the verdict was probably mites - treatment xeno 50 every 2 weeks. Although the scratching stopped the lair loss has become worse. We took her back to the vet who thought it could be down to hormonal problems (Ham is 22 months old) and recommended 'small animal dip' to help.

Small Animal Dip

We now have it. The directions for use are very brief. It says 'mix with four part of water to prepare and then basically says 'maybe used to dip a number of small animals.' I'm not just going to pick Ham up and dip her in!

If anyone else has used it and could give any tips on applying it, it would be much appreciated. At the moment we're just anticipating gently brushing it on.

[Piebald]

Hmmmm I have my doubts about it. Sounds very strong smelling. Is your vet a rodent vet? I am not a vet so my opinion doesn't count for much but hmmmmm. Getting a hamster wet is also not recommended, even a young one let alone an elderly ham. What does everyone else think?

[dunc]

The vet is a small animal specialist and we totally trust her, there is no doubt about that. We'd have walked away from the vets with the dip but they had none in stock so I've no problems with the dip. It's there to keep the skin nice and soft as would cod liver oil but this is also meant to be a repellent against mites. I'm certainly not going to dip the little one in as I totally agree, hamsters don't want to get wet. It's more the means of applying the stuff. It will be water like when diluted so I could soak a tissue and wipe it on or get a soft brush and apply using that.

[Robodwarfs18]

I'm no expert in these kinda things but I think a soft brush like a small, thin kids paintbrush which I'm sure you could get for £1 or less from Hobbycraft, Poundland and things would be best. Hope this helps and good luck x

[dunc]

Yep, I'll have a look for a decent brush tomorrow - my wife has recommended a soft make up brush which would seem ideal. I just hope her hair grows back or at least stops falling out. At least Ham seems happy enough. thanks for the help

[Piebald]

That's good to know! I would be interested in hearing what you think of it after use ty!

[souffle]

Is there any chance it could be Cushings disease rather than mites? The Xeno should have sorted the mites out really. Does she have any other symptoms? Drinking and weeing a lot? Where is the hair loss from?
Which vet did you use. I am also in the same area as you. Some pics would help if you had any.
If she thinks it is hormonal I'd not sure why a dip was given to be honest.
Female hamsters sometimes have hormonal issues as they get older resulting in hair thinning. Feeding extra dark greens as well as porridge with wheatgerm and a sprinkle of debittered brewers yeast often helps the coat grow back.
Hamsters usually only get a flare of mites due to being under the weather with something else as the root cause so I would look further and see if you can pinpoint this. They always have mites present in the skin but these flare up when the immune system is low or challenged.

[Thin Lizzy]

They're more immune to mites the older they get.
I agree a soft brush. Or you could use a cotton bud and just dab it on gently.
That's great you've found a vet you trust.

[dunc]

Originally Posted by souffle

Is there any chance it could be Cushings disease rather than mites? The Xeno should have sorted the mites out really. Does she have any other symptoms? Drinking and weeing a lot? Where is the hair loss from?
Which vet did you use. I am also in the same area as you. Some pics would help if you had any.
If she thinks it is hormonal I'd not sure why a dip was given to be honest.
Female hamsters sometimes have hormonal issues as they get older resulting in hair thinning. Feeding extra dark greens as well as porridge with wheatgerm and a sprinkle of debittered brewers yeast often helps the coat grow back.
Hamsters usually only get a flare of mites due to being under the weather with something else as the root cause so I would look further and see if you can pinpoint this. They always have mites present in the skin but these flare up when the immune system is low or challenged.

She doesn't really have any other symptoms. Going a bit slower but I think that's just down to old age. The hair loss initially started at just above the feet making it look like a bowl hair cut. It's since progressed up either side leaving her with a mohican up to the waist. Underside the hair has pretty much gone but above the waist all seems to be as usual. No scabs or anything like that.
Hasn't lost any weight. 200g before it started and 200g now. We've been keeping an eye on how much she's drinking and measured it against how much our other (although much younger) syrian has been drinking. It's practically the same.
We use West Mount Vets in Paddock. I think the dip was advised as she we asked if there was anything else to stop the skin getting dry.
I'll try and get a picture to you when the little one is up again and will add in all the suggested ingredients to her food. Is there anything you would suggest taking out of the food? Still giving a few treats at the moment. Had thought about Cushings disease but don't really like thinking about it as from everything I've read there's no cure?

Thanks very much for your help

[dunc]

Originally Posted by Thin Lizzy

They're more immune to mites the older they get.
I agree a soft brush. Or you could use a cotton bud and just dab it on gently.
That's great you've found a vet you trust.

Yes, we like the vets and have been a couple of times before. I don't like the idea of queuing up at pets at home Apparently we've just purchased a soft foundation brush to help her out and so will primarily use that.