Syrian hamster mystery fur issue?

[jlf4597]

Hi everyone!

I'm hoping someone can help me identify this issue!

My female Syrian has been suffering with a very strange skin/fur issue for a few months now.

Every few days, she gets very greasy looking patches all over her. They can range from her belly, back, limbs etc. They patches of fur feel rough to touch. The weird thing is - they usually disappear after a day, but return they day following that? The skin below the greasy fur is always fine and has never seemed red or inflamed. Pic below of greasy fur patch on back.

https://imgur.com/a/doB1aqp

I took her to the vets when the issue first presented and was given some cream for ringworm - this didn't really seem to help at all. I've tried giving her a sand bath but as much as she loves it - it doesn't make a huge difference to the fur condition. The vet did mention that it could be a hormonal issue but he would need to do further tests to confirm.

Since the problem is showing no signs of improving- I'll be taking her to the vets again tomorrow but in the mean time - does anyone have any ideas as to what's happening to my poor hamsters fur?

[souffle]

It looks like oil from when you have lubricated the wheel spindle. You haven't been doing that have you at all? Sometimes if the wheel is a bit too small it rubs on the back and causes this to happen. Even if you haven't been oiling it it can still cause the fur to get greasy due to the rubbing. Try taking the wheel out for a few days. If it solves it you need a bigger wheel.

[Pebbles82]

With it being in the centre of the back it could well be wheel related - what wheel do you have? On the other hand you did say it was her belly and legs as well. It’s normal for them to get a bit greasy in the area of the scent glands (on their sides) but not sure about the belly. If it doesn’t improve then yes maybe some tests at the vet could be an idea but would suggest you find an exotic vet in your area. A lot of vets just don’t know much about hamster ailments and guess at things and prescribe. If it was ringworm then a skin scraping should have been taken to diagnose accurately. It could be hormonal if it’s every few days as they come on heat every four days. It’s hard to imagine. Do you have any other photos?