Could it be Cushing's Disease?

parlourpuss · 05-22-2011, 09:06 AM

Jester has been getting balder and balder. I have treated him for mites 3 times over the last few months but still seems to be losing loads of his lovely soft shiny black fur

His belly is now completely bald and all around his chin area and a lot of his back with dry scaley skin around the neck area. I took him to the vet last Monday and he told me to use spot on every week and a half. Jester's skin looks inflamed so I was also given some antibiotic to give him for 10 days to see if it helps. Jester is drinking and widdling more too. He won't be 2 until October so getting on but not ancient. The vet said if the drops etc don't work it could be Cushing's disease.

Is there any cream I could rub on him that would be ok if he licked it off as I don't want to poison him but worried his skin is sore. I feel really upset as I have looked after him well with a good diet clean cage etc any help and input on this I would much appreciate.

I read somewhere it is common for black hamsters to get Cushing's Disease.

Kirsty & Jesterxxxx

fluffymunchkins · 05-22-2011, 09:13 AM

More information on cushings disease can be found in the wiki section of the forum.
http://www.hamstercentral.com/wiki/C...yrian_Hamsters
Also, you could contact member 'snickersthefirst' who has experienced cushing and will be able to give more advice. She also did a thread on the progression on cushings.
Stages of Cushings Disease with illustrated pics (inc. treatment)

I would think his hair loss due to age would be unlikely as hes the same age as Porridge, who certainly doesn't show these signs.
All the best to him, unfortunaetly theres not much you can do but keep him comfortable xx

parlourpuss · 05-22-2011, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fluffymunchkins

More information on cushings disease can be found in the wiki section of the forum.
Cushings Disease in Syrian Hamsters - Hamster Central WIKI
Also, you could contact member 'snickersthefirst' who has experienced cushing and will be able to give more advice. She also did a thread on the progression on cushings.
Stages of Cushings Disease with illustrated pics (inc. treatment)

I would think his hair loss due to age would be unlikely as hes the same age as Porridge, who certainly doesn't show these signs.
All the best to him, unfortunaetly theres not much you can do but keep him comfortable xx

Thank you for your prompt reply

I had looked at the Wiki info. I can't seem to get any pictures on the thread that snickers the first done? All the script is there but no pics?

Kirsty & Jesterxxx

SarahJ · 05-22-2011, 09:27 AM

What colour is ur hamster and is it a pet shop ham??

I lost my girl Megan a few weeks ago to Cushings its a nasty disease, Do you have any photos of the hair loss and skin?

If it is Cushing applying Sudocrem will help ease the skin

SnickersTheFirst · 05-22-2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parlourpuss

Thank you for your prompt reply

I had looked at the Wiki info. I can't seem to get any pictures on the thread that snickers the first done? All the script is there but no pics?

Kirsty & Jesterxxx

Hmm...the pics show for me, they are all on the first post. Sudocrem was a big help for Snickers. There is no cure for Cushings unfortunately, all you can do is monitor his condition. Also, it's unlikely he will pass naturally most need help to the bridge. Snickers fought Cushings for 4 months before it became too much.

If you could get pics of your hammy that may help.

SnickersTheFirst · 05-22-2011, 10:42 AM

Here's a couple of pics:

See the wound/lump on her leg.

Full fur loss and flakiness on her stomach. Also, a lump on her front leg.

Her about 2-3 months into the illness.

White stuff is the Sudocrem.

parlourpuss · 05-22-2011, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahJ

What colour is ur hamster and is it a pet shop ham??

I lost my girl Megan a few weeks ago to Cushings its a nasty disease, Do you have any photos of the hair loss and skin?

If it is Cushing applying Sudocrem will help ease the skin

I have been looking at his skin and he does have some black spots/markings

How soon does it take to get worse or does it depend on the hamster?

parlourpuss · 05-22-2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnickersTheFirst

Hmm...the pics show for me, they are all on the first post. Sudocrem was a big help for Snickers. There is no cure for Cushings unfortunately, all you can do is monitor his condition. Also, it's unlikely he will pass naturally most need help to the bridge. Snickers fought Cushings for 4 months before it became too much.

If you could get pics of your hammy that may help.

Thank you I can see the pics now.

Poor little Jester seems to have black markings/spots on his skin which seems to be a symptom. What a misery, he is such a sweet little man.

Thanks for your helpx

SnickersTheFirst · 05-22-2011, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parlourpuss

I have been looking at his skin and he does have some black spots/markings

How soon does it take to get worse or does it depend on the hamster?

I think it depends on the hamster. Snickers survived the illness for 4 months but she got the black pigment 2 months in.

Sadly, you just have to cherish the time you have left and monitor for any changes. Most common things to look for are infected wounds and poor mobility.