First loosing nails, now loosing fur?

Christiane · 02-21-2012, 03:42 PM

Hey guys,

this is about my just over 1 year old Syrian Benji again, that i posted about a couple of weeks ago. Then he'd shed his nails, and in the end i'd taken him to the vet, who said he looked very well. His nails haven't really grown back to speak of, but his feet look fine and healthy. He is very happy, normal, and active in himself too. But i noticed a couple of days ago that he started loosing fur, well his face is a bit patchy, and now it seems to be on the neck as well. The rest of his coat is fine. And where the fur is thin or lost, the skin looks fine too, not irritated or scabby. He don't seem to scratch excessively either, just his normal cleaning. And i checked the skin with a magnifying glass and couldn't see any mites. I went on the web, and apart from mites or a fungal infection, nail and hair loss seems to be associated with protein difficency. He's on Harry Hamster, and i always thought that a good food. I bought some Burgess cause it's got the extra protein with the mealworms but i haven't started feeding it yet as they seem so happy and active on the HH. I bought some yeast supplement and am sprinkling it over his food at the moment. I also read that hamsters can mould, has anyone got any experience with this? Or any idea what this might be all about? I am worried so i'd be grateful for any ideas. I'll try to attach a close up of his face (with the front paws also visible).

Thanks...

xxx

Christiane · 02-21-2012, 04:19 PM

p.s. just thought i'd add a photo of his head about a month ago for comparison x

souffle · 02-22-2012, 06:13 AM

He may just be doing his spring moult making him look very patchy. I think the warm weather is making the hamsters moult early this year. That combined with his age, when the fur naturally thins anyway may well be making you think he has a problem. The skin does sound nice and healthy so I think I would just watch him closely for now and see if it is just moulting. If anything changes then best have him vet checked.

Lynternette · 02-22-2012, 06:14 AM

I had a look on the web for you and it said lack of protein as well. I use Burgess Super Hamster mixed with Trill. I add Dusty's mealworm separately to his dish so I know what he's getting. He loves a bit of grated cheese. Have a look in the nutrition thread. There are lots of ideas there. Dusty has Pro C in his drink every day. Its very good for stress and protects organs and digestive system. I do hope he improves soon. He's a handsome little guy.

Christiane · 02-22-2012, 07:16 AM

Aw, thank you guys! Yes he is, very lovely. Yeah, i will watch him closely, especially whether anything changes with the skin underneath, and see whether it is just moulting. I think i'm gonna keep on the yeast for a couple more days (as far as i can gather it's also got protein plus vitamins) and see whether it aids him, but i'll also then consider changing to the Burgess and i will have a look at the nutrition thread. Thanks again!

Christiane · 02-29-2012, 07:16 AM

His fur is growing back- yay!!!

So it seems to have been just moulting, as you said souffle. I am glad that, in this case, i didn't rush to the vet where they possibly would have treated him for something like mites that he didn't have, but stuck it out and kept a close eye. He's still a very happy boy as well. Thanks again!