Hamster has a bald patch

[erins_hamsters]

Hi everyone. I’ve noticed that my hamster, Ozzy, has developed a bald patch on his shoulder. He had one before and we took him to the vet, but the vet told us it might have been mites in the bedding (his last bald patch healed within about a week). The only reason I’m still curious about the cause of the bald patch is that if it was mites then surely my other hamster would have been affected too? I have no idea what could have caused it, but he doesn’t seem in any pain or discomfort and he is acting as normal! Thank you in advance

[Ruth Edwards]

Is there a way to check for mites in bedding? Are they visible to the naked eye, or would I have to use a microscope? Peach also has very thin fur on her hindquarters.

[erins_hamsters]

I’m not sure, but the vet said it was mites in the Aspen and he told me to switch to CareFresh, the only thing is my other dwarf hamster didn’t have any bald spots and they had the same bedding!

[Shannonmcn]

If it was mites in the bedding, I think there is the possibility that some hamsters can be more affected than others so I wouldn't discount that entirely just because your other ham was fine. But I would bring it up to your vet, especially if it is recurring.

They can do a skin scrape to look for mites, you do need a microscope to see them. It would be worth asking your vet to do one to make sure if possible. It could be an allergy or another skin condition so you could be treating him for mites unnecessarily.

[erins_hamsters]

Thank you, I think if it doesn’t clear up soon or if it happens again we will take him to the vet. Thank you very much for your response!