Hamster hair loss and open skin sores - PLEASE HELP - Page 3

racinghamster · 03-05-2014, 05:20 AM

Although he looks bad (and thanks for posting these images as it makes things clear) his wounds are open sores that he seems to be bending over to lick and clean himself, although applying creams/ointments will not help to dry these out. Powders are usually better, but again, you would need a vet to say what the best topical approach might be (if any) depending on what these sores are. The skin looks to be breaking down here and there so this could be part of the Cushings syndrome, I don`t know because I`ve never dealt with Cushings.

The approach I always take is one of quality of life and the hamster will always tell you what that is. just by a behaviour change and not being able to do much. Eating and drinking are all important standing points, the rest will usually follow on when the time comes. But right now, I still agree that he is coping, but he can`t speak, so we have to use our intelligence and knowledge to observe every day what that stage is.

Give him a sunflower seed from me. x

souffle · 03-05-2014, 05:43 AM

I don't know Figaro if they would help heal the sores. The usual medication is Baytril but most hamsters don't like it as it tastes horrid so it would perhaps stress him to have to give it. The other side effect is that it can upset the tummy which is the last thing he needs I guess.
Have you tried the sudocrem at all as in snickers post? Do you think the sores are infected or clean? Do they smell bad or are they oozing pus. They actually look quite clean in the pics with pinkness underneath which make you think they are clean.
It's a hard choice but whatever you decide if the choice is made from love it will be the right one x

Figaro91 · 03-05-2014, 05:54 AM

I have just ordered grape seed extract capsules too - praying they come quickly. Does anyone know what sort of food I should mix the powder from the capsules with? I've been hearing banana baby food is a good idea?

Figaro91 · 03-05-2014, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by souffle

I don't know Figaro if they would help heal the sores. The usual medication is Baytril but most hamsters don't like it as it tastes horrid so it would perhaps stress him to have to give it. The other side effect is that it can upset the tummy which is the last thing he needs I guess.
Have you tried the sudocrem at all as in snickers post? Do you think the sores are infected or clean? Do they smell bad or are they oozing pus. They actually look quite clean in the pics with pinkness underneath which make you think they are clean.
It's a hard choice but whatever you decide if the choice is made from love it will be the right one x

I have been using sudocrem yes, twice a day. Before I started treating him they did smell and were quite puss filled, and when he is due more they do start to smell. One of them has started scabbing over too I think. If they aren't getting better they're at least not getting any worse. I'm going to try the saline solution for a while to see if that makes a bigger difference, though he bit me when I did it earlier!

racinghamster · 03-05-2014, 06:24 AM

I earlier suggested medical grade manuka honey and this is a proven veterinary grade topical treatment for open wounds. It is something I would try give the positive revues I have seen on it and on TV shows that deal with medical issues. Most good health food shops will sell it, but for the medical grade, perhaps Boots and other pharmacies would be with checking out? Manuka honey comes from bees who collect pollen from the tea tree plant, which is another wonderful source of bacterial fighting properties, although neat tea tree isn`t something you want to be applying to open wounds! x

Figaro91 · 03-05-2014, 06:26 AM

Hi Racinghamster

I'm definitely looking to get some manuka honey, just thought getting the grape seed extract was a bigger deal at the moment.

Figaro91 · 03-05-2014, 06:32 AM

Racinghamster, would you recommend this? And shall I cover the wound once I've applied the manuka honey so he doesn't eat it? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Activon-Medi...e+manuka+honey

Figaro91 · 03-05-2014, 07:27 AM

Just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone that has replied to this post - your support is incredible and Figaro and I really appreciate it. Much love to you all and your little furries xxx

racinghamster · 03-05-2014, 08:12 AM

Will get back to you in a wee minute Figaro I just want to find a page I was looking at yesterday. Will post it as soon as I find the link!

Edited to add: Here we go: http://www.petergurney.com/

This is taken from the Peter Gurney Guinea Pig health pages. What this man didn`t know about treatment wasn`t worth knowing! The Manuka Honey image here is just one of many that are available, but it`s the UMF factor you need to consider. He explains this on he page. So if the Amazon link doesn`t tell you this information, you should contact the seller and ask. They should be able to give you this information on the product. x

racinghamster · 03-05-2014, 08:18 AM

On the link I posted, click on ENTER then VETCARE and then to the left of the column, the `Manuka Honey Feb 2003` link to see it. The link I posted isn`t going straight to the page for some reason. Sorry about that.