Dwarf Hamster Scent Gland

[Lozz]

Hello again!
Apologies for the multiple postings, I have had all of my hams at the vets recently (some were poorly, some just wanted a little nail trim!) so I have lots of healthcare questions.
My dwarf hamster Gus Gus (possibly Winter White or Hybrid, I'm not too sure) has a repeatedly blocked scent gland. My first question is what does a normal dwarf hamster scent gland look like? I have searched high and low for a picture but they are surprisingly hard to find! If anyone has a picture it would be greatly appreciated!

Secondly, does anyone have any experience unblocking a scent gland? A few months ago I used a diluted hibiscrub solution given to me by the vets to wipe it for a few days and when it had softened I managed to sort of gently pick it out then wipe it clean, leaving it stretched but empty. I described it to the vet (badly) but he said it should be okay- blocked scent glands can lead to infections can't they, so it should be better to clean it than leave it, perhaps?- but I'm worried I am doing it wrong, I don't want to cause more harm than good! It has crusted over again and this time I have been prescribed CLX wipes so will use them to clean it, even though he hates it! Has anyone else ever had to clean out a dwarf hamsters scent gland, and do you have any advice? And does anyone have any idea why his poor gland keeps getting blocked? He used to be a bit chubby so it might've rubbed on the floor too much, but he has lost weight since I last cleaned it so I don't think it'll be because of that any more!

I have added pictures of the blockage and his newly-unblocked scent gland so you can see what I mean.
Thanks so much, and sorry for the rambly post!
Xx

[cypher]

The scent gland problem could be related to the tooth problem simply because when his teeth were overgrown (hope this is the same ham & I'm not getting two confused here?!) he wouldn't be able to groom himself normally which leads to the gland getting blocked.
The best thing is to slowly & gently clean with cotton wool soaked in saline solution, I wouldn't use anything else. just bath it a little each day, don't worry if you don't clear it all at once, rather than stressing him out just stick at it for a short time each day wiping it gently with the damp cotton wool until it becomes unblocked then wipe again as soon as you notice any changes if he doesn't manage to keep it clean himself after that.

[Lozz]

Ah I didn't think of that, he did seem to get very frustrated when trying to groom himself so his teeth could be the cause! Okay, so you wouldn't recommend the wipes or hibiscrub? They do smell quite clinical so I did wonder if they were a little strong.
How would I go about preparing a saline solution, ratio-wise? I'll have a look to see if there are any saline-related threads.
Thank you! You seem to have all the answers :P
Xx

[cypher]

Saline should be half a teaspoon or 2.5g to 240ml of water, boil the water, add to salt in a clean sterile cup or other container & allow to cool before using.
I wouldn't use anything chemical tbh, you don't really need it & it could be unpleasant or irritating for the little guy.