hello
Since I haven't had much luck finding any relevant info online, I figured I would make an account and ask here.
Earlier this month I got my second hamster, Popsicle. She is a young winter white and a gorgeous little girl. About a week ago, I noticed she had large red lesions appearing under her arms and across her chest. She was eating fine but drinking in excess and not sleeping through the day.
Thankfully I am a worrywart and I took her to Avian & Exotics that day. While I was afraid it was early onset skin cancer, the vet was convinced she either has ringworm or some nasty mites. I've been prescribed drops for mites (one every fourteen days) and Griseofulvin for potential ringworm (0.03cc daily by mouth).
However, I would not be seeking out additional information if I wasn't still concerned. Shortly after beginning treatment, I noticed a sharp uptick in hair loss followed by a sudden stop. Upon checking I see that the entirety of her chest and underarms are hairless and her legs are beginning to show signs of following. She still stops frequently to scratch and nibble where the skin is irritated.
While I wait for the vet to get back to me with the results of the ringworm culture, I want to know what I can do for Popsicle in the meantime. She is in a 10g tank with a topper (I'd like to upgrade her ASAP but given the circumstances, smaller seems better). She has a solid plastic wheel I clean regularly and a glass jar containing filtered pool sand for her to bathe in. She still eats well and has been drinking a little bit less. I clean her tank weekly and change out the sand every few days. I just want to know when I can expect to see the results of treatment, and if I can help soothe her itchiness while we wait. She's a feisty little thing but it pains me to see her so uncomfortable.
(My other hamster, while his home is right beside hers, is showing absolutely no signs of illness. I wash my hands like a surgeon now when I touch anything of Popsicle's.)
Hamster w/ potential ringworm, want to help itchiness
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