can I ask for advice about Hugo plz?

[HarryHamster]

Hi guys,
I was doing the weekly check up on Hugo, I noticed has bum around the anus was quite red, I have clean it tonight with some water cause he was really lively, but now I have made a saline solution, how often should I clean his bum. His poop is normal. I am just a little worried I don't it to get any worse.

[Shannonmcn]

If it's just a bit red and his poop is normal I would be inclined to just... Keep an eye on it? Unless there is mess or blood or broken skin around his anus cleaning it with anything might just make it more easily irritated as well as stressing him out. There's no swelling or bleeding or blood in his nest or anything?

The skin there is obviously very sensitive so it might be worthwhile also keeping an eye out for scratching or skin redness elsewhere since it might be more likely to be a reaction to maybe a new bedding or something that's come into contact with his skin rather than a digestive problem.

[racinghamster]

I agree that it`s a `keep an eye on` for now unless his anus is looking particularly swollen (not his actual testicles as those can be large and pink anyway!)

Where he poops from could be a little inflamed but he should clean that area himself if he can. Your being mindful of it though which is good so you can check it every day or every couple of days just to make sure it isn`t something a vet needs to check. It`s good that his poo is normal. Does he get some raw pieces of vegetables in his diet daily? If he doesn`t, I would start him on a small piece every few days as veg is a good fibre source and vitamins. Broccoli, cauliflower, garden peas, cucumber and baby sweet corns are all good and liked by hamsters. x

[HarryHamster]

Thanks guys, he has a little veg everyday, there is no blood or swelling, I will keep an eye on him, hopefully it should then settle down in a couple of days. Thank you and Hugo gives you all a big cuddle for helping. I will keep you updated

[racinghamster]

Sometimes it`s best not too be too hands-on with these things unless intervention is needed. But keeping an eye on things to check whether the redness is worse or you think the area has changed shape or actually looks to be worse, then he should be fine. That`s good that he gets his veg! x