Weird scent gland...

[Jackanory]

Hi everyone- I haven't posted for a bit, but I'm happy to report that, so far, Thor and Jack are very happy together and groom each other, sleep together and are pretty happy. Doesn't stop me watching like a hawk, though.

My question is, I was holding Jack yesterday and his scent gland area felt all a bit crusty (ew). It's never been like that before. I know that it might need a gentle wash or whatever, but how on earth can I do it? He's super wriggly if I pick him up and I can't imagine how to keep him still enough to do it safely.

Any tips would be gratefully received!

[BrainGirl]

Do you know how to scruff a hamster? You can take a swab and use cooled saline solution to gently wipe over the area to remove the crusties. You don't have to wipe hard, just gentle swipes. You'll be surprised how quickly the stuff dissolves and falls away. If there's an actual wound there and it's scabbed over then I'd take him to see a vet. But the saline is a good way to clean scent glands before they get blocked and cause an infection.

[racinghamster]

Good advice there from BrainGirl. The scent gland could just be blocked or clogged. But as BrainGirl said, if there are any small lumps adjacent to the long shaped scent gland, this could be a small scent gland tumour and these are better removed while small in size before the mastasize (spread). If your not confident, a vet would take a look for you and confirm. x

[Jackanory]

Thank you- that's useful. It seems cleaner today, but when I tried to have a proper feel he was pretty cross with me. I've never scruffed them before. Will he stay more still if I do that? I definitely need a proper look. I put him in a clear tub and tried looking from the side and below, but couldn't really see,

[BrainGirl]

He won't have a choice but to stay more still for you Which might make him even more cross with you but on the other hand you really don't want him to get an infection. I think there's a thread around here about it or maybe a video on youtube.

[racinghamster]

Also, hold him LOW down! If scruffing or holding a hamster, try and do this low to the floor over a towel or a fleece where they can then be put down onto a soft place afterwards, or have the cage base on the floor. Hamsters can leap or wriggle and this can sometimes result in a fall, so precautions first. x

[Jackanory]

Thank you! I've had a good feel and he's not got a bump or any crusty bits there anymore- phew. He does seem to spray and scent a bit more than his cagemate/ brother- is it usual for some of them to do that?

[racinghamster]

He could be the dominant hamster while his brother is on the lower rank (subordinate). So him scenting more could explain that. x