Tumble's scent glands

[matinee_92]

Well, I did manage to get some pictures of Tumble! He only stayed still because I gave him a dog biscuit

[babyboos]

Aww all grown up Making a good dent in that biscuit Is he always off trying to get up to mischief?

[matinee_92]

Lol, pretty much!

You can't really see it very well in these pictures, but does anyone know why his fur is lighter by his scent glands?

[babyboos]

That is perfectly normal in a paler coloured hamster, even black hamsters often have paler hair at their scent glands. The glands themselves even come in a wide variety of shades - you even get GREEN Scent Glands

[rhona]

just read this - what are scent glands? are they little bald scabby bits on either side of the hammy at the hips???

[souffle]

Yes they are Rhona. They are usually more noticable in males and can get quite wet sometimes if they smell a lady! As they get older they can get dry and crusty which is why your hams may appear scabby. Dwarf hamsters have them on the tummy underneath where as syrians are on the hips on either side.

[rhona]

the junior vet thought he had mites!!

[souffle]

Oh my goodness that is not good news. I would seriously be upset if my animal was put through mite treatment which can be very stressful because it had crusty scent glands. Insist you see an experienced vet and refer him to a good book on hamsters if you have one.

[rhona]

i never seen that vet again lol