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Old 01-05-2016, 07:17 AM   #1
Hamwise
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Question Symmetrical hair loss&thinning on bottom half??

Hey guys,
My dwarf hamster is about a 1 year and 2 months old, and I've noticed that his hair has been thinning out symmetrically about halfway up his back and on his legs. When I flip him around to look at his tummy he is pretty much hairless from his feet to his genitals with bare, pink inner thighs. His skin doesn't look too dry or itchy, but the skin under his thinning back fur does look slightly wrinkly. He's been seen by two vets in November and there was never any signs of mites. He has a cage mate who is very fluffy and has a perfect coat, which makes me more inclined to rule out mites or diet definicy
He does have a favourite spot to pee in but I clean it meticulously to try to rule out ammonia burns..
Any ideas what this could be? Aging/unlucky genetics? I'm really hoping its not Cushing's from what I've read about it
Do you think I should get some kind of supplements to try to help him grow his hair back?
I'll try to get some pictures sometime but its quite hard because his fur is black and he wiggles when I look at his tummy lol.
Thanks
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Old 01-05-2016, 12:42 PM   #2
flowerfairy
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Default Re: Symmetrical hair loss&thinning on bottom half??

My syrian, Woodstock has thinned hair round his eyes and on his back. He seems bright in himself and is eating, drinking, etc no problems. He is a year and four months.

I dont know about suppliments but someone here is bound to.
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Old 01-05-2016, 09:45 PM   #3
cypher
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Default Re: Symmetrical hair loss&thinning on bottom half??

Did the vet give you any idea what it might be after ruling out mites?
How does he seem other than the hair loss? I can see why you're thinking it could possibly be cushings but you would be seeing additional symptoms if it was, he's not that old but some do age quicker than others so it just possible it's age related.
Without some idea from the vet what might be causing it it's hard to say what may help but you could try giving just the tiniest drop of evening primrose oil & flax seed oil or a mixed omega oil on his food as these are both very good for coat & skin condition.
Brewers yeast is supposed to be good to but I've never been able to get mine to eat any so I can't say if it helps or not from experience!
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Old 01-06-2016, 08:30 PM   #4
Hamwise
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Default Re: Symmetrical hair loss&thinning on bottom half??

Thanks for the replies! Actually the first time we took him to the vet was for a suspected eye infection/irritation because he was losing fur around his eyes and the vet didn't seem concerned at all and said his coat looked great, the hair around his eyes eventually did grow back.

His behavior seems pretty normal luckily! I'll definitely look into the oils and yeast you mentioned cypher thanks
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Old 01-07-2016, 05:01 AM   #5
racinghamster
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Default Re: Symmetrical hair loss&thinning on bottom half??

Hi Hamwise. If your other hamster (cagemate) is fine, it probably isn`t mites or parasitic as they would both have similar symptoms, itching/scratching/irritation. By what you describe, it sounds to me like a contact allergy. Losing fur on the legs and tummy can usually indicate this, although certain types of dermatitis can also be a cause.

Rule out:

Substrate/bedding changes? Have these changed recently?
Diet, has this changed at all or been added to?
Do they get fed small amounts of fresh raw vegetables daily?
Sand....do they have a sand bath in the cage all the time and if so, was his fur fine before he started using sand to bathe in?

Its strange that he has fur loss but his cagemate is okay. Are they related? x
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Old 01-09-2016, 03:12 PM   #6
Hamwise
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Default Re: Symmetrical hair loss&thinning on bottom half??

Hi racing hamster thanks for the reply. The two hamsters were in the same cage at the pet store but all of the hamsters were a rainbow of colours (my balding ham is black and his cagemate is albino) lol so I don't know if that means they are from the same litter or if they just put all the males together.
Between his last vet visit in November to currently, the only thing that has changed is his diet due to a cheek impaction, the vet recommended a change from a seed mix to oxbow and including Timothy hay for grazing. His current bedding is kaytee clean and cozy- it looks like shredded paper and doesn't seem too dusty.
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Old 01-10-2016, 06:47 AM   #7
racinghamster
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Default Re: Symmetrical hair loss&thinning on bottom half??

It`s a strange one really. Hope his pouch impaction is fine now? If your using paper based products where necessary then that`s always good. Hay is not something I use for a few reasons. It can sometimes introduce mites and small animals (unless rabbits or guinea pigs) don`t always eat it. Dry grass products may be softer underfoot too and not be as hard.

It will be a case of watching and waiting to see if the hair loss worsens or affects his skin. If it does, then he`s obviously allergic to something his cage mate isn`t, or he has something else going on. Keep an eye on him and note any signs of change or improvement. x
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Old 01-10-2016, 08:08 AM   #8
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Default Re: Symmetrical hair loss&thinning on bottom half??

Can you put him in a clear glass and get a picture?
It sounds like something may be rubbing there? What kind of wheel does he have? Although I'm not sure how it could be done lol, just exploring. . .
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Old 01-10-2016, 03:41 PM   #9
Hamwise
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Default Re: Symmetrical hair loss&thinning on bottom half??

His cheek impaction is all better luckily! I will definitely keep an eye out for any changes.
Piebald that's a great idea about the clear glass I will attempt that thanks! His wheels are regular plastic ones.
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