Hi, I'm new to the community and I have a bit of an issue with my Russian dwarf hamster Hermes (named after the greek god <3).
Yesterday when he was putting his front paws on his cage I noticed (or my mum did at first) that behind his front right leg there is hair loss and it
looks red. I don't know if it is because it might just be it's natural pink colour in a dark spot. I also thought for a moment it looked swollen, but then after trying to look at it I think I've just never seen what that part of a hamster looks like without hair.
He is not in
any pain at all. I only found it today because he was up in a position where I could see it. He hates being left hanging in the air and so when I took him out to get a better look I just couldnt cause he brings his arms right up to his chest so it's impossible. But I know he is in absolutely no pain, he's not itching it it, scratching it, biting it.
I was worried it could be parasites, or it could be him rubbing on something rougher in the cage. The latter could only be done by one thing in the cage, cause he climbs over it regularly and even things like wood in his cage are smooth. So I've taken that out. The parasite think is a lot harder cause 1) I have no clue how he would get a tick or mite or anything 2) he isnt itching it at all, but from what I've researched that usually comes along with itching. He is in no discomfort, which usually comes hand in hand with mites or other things.
The reason I am so frantic is that I cant just suddenly sanitize his cage like a lot of things say, because about half of his things are wood and I'm a kid (16) so I cant sanitize them myself, and my mum doesnt know how to. Plus I also leave for London for a week tomorrow which just makes it a really badly timed thing to happen
His vet is about 15 minutes away, and it's super expensive, like minimum £50 for a checkup. I don't want to stress him out cause hes a really dumb anxious guy lmao we think he might be partially blind. And I love him to bits he is literally the love of my life, I'm really scared of him taking a turn for the worse. My mum is capable with my hamsters so she can do stuff for him while I'm away but I'm just so panicked. Please help! <3