ITCHING HAMSTER

Pidge12 · 01-17-2009, 09:56 AM

Hi, this is my first post, my daughter has a syrian hamster which shes had just over a year now, and we've noticed that she seems to be scratching an awful lot and that her fur has gone very thin on her neck/back area. We've thoroughly cleaned the cage and replaced the bedding, is there something we can get to put on her? I've looked in the net and one site suggested it could be mites/fleas and to try kitten flea powder! Has anyone else had this problem with their little buddy!?

Thanks for any advice/help given!

suga · 01-17-2009, 09:59 AM

I think if its mites you would need to take the little on to the vet to get treatment. Is the area red and inflamed?
Have you changed the bedding material or anything recently as this can sometimes cause an irritant...

Pidge12 · 01-17-2009, 12:26 PM

Thanks for your help, we thoroughly cleaned the cage yesterday and put clean bedding in - we used the usual bedding of shavings and soft cottonwool type bedding for her sleeping area,. Her back doesnt look red, although there are a couple of very small marks, which you would expect after all that itching. Is there anything I can get from the pet store or is a visit to the vets better!?

souffle · 01-17-2009, 12:53 PM

Hi pidge and welcome.
There are a few causes of itching including allergies, mites and hormonal disorders.
I would say that it is best to see a vet and try and get a firm diagnosis. Do not use kitten flea powder as it can be inhaled and is not safe. The only over the counter mite treatment is invermectin drops for small pets which you can get from P@H and other pet shops. I would not use this without vet diagnosis though.
These is another disease called Cushings disease which affects hammies and unfortunatly is not treatable medically. There is an article on the WIKI on this and I hope your little one does not have this.
Book a vets appointment and let us know how things go on from there.
I hope she is better soon
XXX

Pidge12 · 01-17-2009, 03:46 PM

Thanks Souffle for your welcome and advice, I think I'll seek advice from the vet on Monday and will keep you posted!

Pidge12 · 01-20-2009, 09:01 AM

***UPDATE** We have just returned from the vets and Fudge has a mite infection, he has given us some ointment to put on it - so hopefully we'll see an improvement in the next few days.

souffle · 01-20-2009, 11:01 AM

That is good that she has some treatment and hopefully she will be more comfortable soon. I would get rid of all my current bedding if I wre you and start afresh in case there are mites in it.