Winter white has a rash that is now causing hair loss

[philip_520]

This is the first time I am asking for help on this hamster.



Here is information about my hamster, Wiz Khalifa.
Age: middle aged
Gender: male?
Species: Winter white

These are the details of my hamster's ailment -
When did it start: started about 5 months ago



Description of Ailment:

left ear/neck rash/allergy/fungus?



Any specific physical changes:

Left ear started out being reddish pink. No sign of mites. About a day after noticing the ear was discolored, I noticed a small amount of light yellow crust in affected ear. Cleaned out with q-tip. Applied tiny amount of aquafor jelly on ear which barely helped at all. After a few months, noticed slight hair loss around ear and under chin. Behavior is very normal, routinely active, hygienic and friendly.

I took him to the vet and Dr said she could do a fungus test to prescribe an anti fungal. I chose not to go that route yet. She ended up prescribing him an ointment to apply every 12 hours on the areas (mupirocin, 2%). The ointment is almost like glue on his fur but he is being a champ and letting it soak in before he cleans himself off. The first night after application he was more lethargic than usual (I assume from cleaning himself incessantly all night). He is more energetic now and more cooperative with me when I am applying the medicine.

I am going to try a softer bedding now, maybe his bedding is too rough?

The vet also gave me mite ear drops (Ivermetin 1%) to apply 2 drops every 2 weeks. Maybe that is what made him drowsy? I hope the photos help.