Fur loss

[Pilgrim77]

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on fur loss in hamsters? My 2 year old hybrid Vincent is losing fur quite rapidly in the patches. It's starting to look a bit scabby and I'm concerned he's been scratching at it.

Is there anything can be done to make him more comfortable? I'm taking him for a check up on Tuesday but hoping to make him more comfortable until then.

I think the fur loss may be due to age - my guinea pigs both lost a lot of fur when they got old and passed on not too long after.

I tried to get a photo of it but he's not really himself. I think his hearings gone - he doesn't hear when I'm putting food in for him etc... and is quite nibbley when I'm checking him over. Think his time may be up, alas!

[kyrilliondaemon]

I'd guess the fur loss is age at this point, I have heard that tea tree cream can help with the skin though so maybe try some of that? We did get it for an elderly roborovski we had a while ago but never used it so I've not got any experience of it myself I'm afraid. Skip seemed to stop scratching it as much fairly quickly and he was ok

[DrKMcK]

Hello Pigrim. It is very common for older hammies to lose fur and to get dry flaky skin. You can try either of these to help with the dryness and itching. These were suggested by a vet. They come in gel caps. You pierce them with a pin and massage it into hammy's skin. Only use a small bit. They are both safe for hammy to eat. I hope this helps.

P.S. These is a site where you can ask a vet questions:

http://www.justanswer.co.uk/veterina...eek-weeks.html

[Pilgrim77]

Oh brilliant, I have both these things in the house actually! Shall try him with the fish oil and hopefully he'll be less uncomfortable. Many thanks! Shall favourite that website too, could come in very handy.