Weird hair loss/black bump

[Maple_Mom]

We've not had a lot of luck this past week... My oldest DD lost her boy (Rex) after a battle with a respiratory infection and some sort of eye infection... and we're thinking he had wet tail in the end too. We lost him on Wednesday... then today she found her little sister's hamster, Dixie (these 2 were brothers) and he was gone as well... and again, I'm thinking wet tail and eye infection. (He went fast though... we didn't see any symptoms, then all of the sudden he was gone.)

Now we've noticed that Rex's son, Charming, has a weird black lump on his side. The hair is all gone from the area and it almost feels bristly... like it was shaved off.

Does anyone have any ideas what it could be? I *think* I've attached a photo here!

Carolyn

[BrainGirl]

It's hard to tell from the photo whether it's on his side or closer to his spine but it looks to me like one of his scent glands.

How old are/were all the hamsters you had?

[racinghamster]

A vet would be best placed to say what this is and the fact that you lost two hamster in quick succession to suspected infections, it might be best to consult a vet. Wet tail for example can be highly contagious. This could be a skin grown or it could be related to something going on in his environment. It`s not easy to say. But the skin does look dark and pigmented. Is he the only hamster you have now?

[BrainGirl]

Agreed. I don't know what the exotic vet prospects are like on Salt Spring, Maple_Mom but if you're willing to travel to Victoria I can recommend a really good one!

[Nancy's Hamsters]

If this is and older Male hamster(over a year old) then by the line of black on his back in his band I would say this is just his scent gland being exposed. This time of year is breeding season for Syrians (and why we are seeing and increase in escapees on the form) At this time of the season the males will often clear off fur to allow their pheromones to be released in and attempt to draw a mate near for mating.

Older adult males seem for some reason to really show their scent glands when they are scenting for a mate. However a Vet check to assure this is not something else would be a very wise choice to make since you lost 2 other Hamsters quite quickly of each other and they appeared to have Wet Tail like symptoms(Actual Wet Tail is not usually seen in older or well established pets who have little stresses)
However they will get wet ends from diarrhea from many health issues or food issues.

For food related example:
You fed the two that died a food treat which the remaining Hamster didn't get or didn't eat and that treat just happened to have spoiled. That spoiled food could have poisoned the two Hamsters from toxic contaminates causing their digestive system to attempt to rid the body of this toxin thus causing Diarrhea and quickly dehydrated Hamsters which would be very weak and sick and would have wet tails.

Environmental example would be:
The two Hamsters which died were exposed to a Toxic chemical sprayed or sprinkled near their cages but not the surviving Hamster. We often use things about our house that are toxic to Hamsters. One I know of is the carpet powders often used to give a pleasant scent to the home(Carpet Fresh is the one that killed a few hamsters at my home several years ago when my Husband tried to do me a kind favor). All the Hamsters I lost all followed the same path. They quit eating, and went in their nest and did nothing but sleep. Within 24 hours they had severe Diarrhea and soon died. The Vet did all kinds of test and actually did a necropsy on two but couldn't find anything that should have caused the death. The Vet then asked me if I had used anything different about my house and when I thought about that question the fact that Hubby had used Carpet Fresh solved the problem.

So it still ends with the best solution for your Male is to seek a Vets professionally given diagnosis of what may be wrong or not wrong with Charming. OH By the way Infections within the Body often result in infected eyes as that is the easiest exit for the pus built up in the lungs, and Wet Tails from and internal infection is not the same wet tail as the actual wet tail disease. Chances are the Diarrhea was caused by the Hamster not eating a balanced diet and the digestive Tract becoming infected and shutting down.

[Maple_Mom]

Originally Posted by BrainGirl

Agreed. I don't know what the exotic vet prospects are like on Salt Spring, Maple_Mom but if you're willing to travel to Victoria I can recommend a really good one!

Our vet is pretty good, but she admits that she doesn't know as much as a small animal expert. So yes please!!! We still have 4 hamsters and 2 guinea pigs, so someone that specializes in the littlest would be great!

[Maple_Mom]

Originally Posted by racinghamster

A vet would be best placed to say what this is and the fact that you lost two hamster in quick succession to suspected infections, it might be best to consult a vet. Wet tail for example can be highly contagious. This could be a skin grown or it could be related to something going on in his environment. It`s not easy to say. But the skin does look dark and pigmented. Is he the only hamster you have now?

He isn't the only one left. We still have 4 altogether... 2 rescued ones (Wilbur and Charlotte) and Charming'S Mama, Cleo. I have no issues taking him to the vet... I'm a firm believer that when you have an animal, no matter how small, they deserve the same respect and treatment that you would expect yourself! We're also a foster home for hammies, GP, and farm animals for the BCSPCA!

Thanks for the help!! I think we'll pop across to Victoria to the vet that BrainGirl knows!

[BrainGirl]

Dr. Signorella at McKenzie Veterinary is fantastic with pocket pets, and all pets really. Seriously impressed with her handling of my hams and chinchillas:

Dr. Ann Signorella | Animal Hospital Victoria BC | McKenzie Veterinary Services