Balding on bottom

michyLS · 08-08-2018, 12:54 PM

Hi , I have a female Syrian, she is 1 years old.
She's been balding on either side of her bottom for some time but it's getting worse.
I first noticed it about 2 or 3 months ago but presumed that because she is a bar biter it was from her bum rubbing against the substrate whilst she chewed at the bars.
However just lately it's got a bit worse , I've attached a pic butit's hard to get a pic as she's always moving!
She's happy, sociable , in good health and eats well. I have no other worries over her. Can anyone suggest what it may be? If needs be I'll take her to the vets but don't want to if unnecessary . Thanks

Coco61 · 08-08-2018, 01:29 PM

I do not want to alarm you but it is possible that your ham has Cushings.
If you look on the healthcare section where you posted this, please go back to page 22 and see my thread called Cushings and Treatment. It says all I know.
The vet practice is CJ Hall and in East Sheen. Most vets cannot diagnose or treat Cushings in hamsters. CJ Hall would see you as they are exotic specialists.

Pebbles82 · 08-08-2018, 03:29 PM

How old is your hamster. Hair loss and balding can be so many things - it's something that can happen with age or as you say, rubbing against something. Or mites (but that wouldn't be just in one place). Cushings, as Coco mentions is another illness that causes hair loss. That is often hair loss in symmetrical patterns but not always.

Is it just on her bottom and have you noticed any other differences? eg drinking a lot more or peeing a lot more?

If you can't see a reason for it (eg rubbing her bottom along something) it might be an idea to take her to a vet. As Coco says, if Cushings is diagnosed it can be treated. Not all vets are experienced enough to do the blood test for the diagnosis. So the one Coco recommended is good. If that's too far then try and find an exotic vet in your area.

michyLS · 08-09-2018, 03:43 AM

Thanks both ..
I read another post about cushings and she doesn't seem to be going downhill like the other hamsters symptoms.. she's just fine .
Serendipity she is 1. Not drinking any more or peeing more .. she's as normal and in very good health.

dreamtree1234 · 08-09-2018, 04:12 AM

Both Coco and Serendipity gave you excellent advice. I would probably take her to the vet just to be sure that she is not having any serious health issues that you are unaware of. Hammies have a tendency to be excellent at hiding illnesses so if you go to the vet and she really is healthy, you can rest easier knowing she is alright. You may want to see what things she may be rubbing again as well and remove those items if possible. I will be hoping with all of my heart that your little one is fine and her hair begins to grow back soon. Btw, what is her name?

Pebbles82 · 08-09-2018, 04:27 AM

Good to hear she's in good health

How old is she?

michyLS · 08-09-2018, 07:05 AM

She was 1 in July serendipity.

Dreamtree her name is Eevee my son's named her after the Pokemon!

Thanks for the advice I'll give the vets a call now.

dreamtree1234 · 08-09-2018, 10:26 AM

Aww, I do love the name Eevee. Your precious hammy does in fact looks a bit like the Pokemon Eevee, too. Your son made a great choice in naming her. I do hope that the vet will be able to help your little one feel better soon. Good luck and please keep us updated on how she is doing.