advise on my sons hamster (syrian)

[hamsternebbie]

We borught a hamster from a good pet shop and was very happy. However we noticed that he seemed to be over cleaning himself. This then developed into him scratching himself and rolling round in the sawdust. I was concerned so because we had only had him for a week I called the pet shop who got a vet to look at him. She noticed some skin irratation and gave him a treatment as if he had mites. I was also given a second treatment to apply in two weeks. It has been a few days now and there has been no change. I was wondering if anyone had any idea what might be wrong or what the best action would be to do. I have changed the sawdust and the bedding kind and we have cleaned the cage on a reaular basis making no difference. He is ok to handle and is eating and drinking ok. Please help.

[Bunsey]

if it's mites, i'm not sure you'd see any difference in two days. You could try swapping sawdust for a bedding such as megazorb or carefresh as sawdust can be itchy, depending how fine it is.

[heleni0]

If it is mites he has, they'll take a little time to treat. Also, how often are you cleaning out his cage? Once a week is fine. More than that and it can distress him making his condition worse.

[souffle]

It could be an allergy so it would be worth changing the bedding type to see if he improves. Hammies do clean a lot and he may be overgrooming. Give the treatment a few more days to see if things improve but if not I would see the vet again.
hope he feels better soon.

[hamsternebbie]

Hello, thanks for your replies. My sons hamster, which he has finally named 'Bobinsky' is much better. I had changed the sawdust to a kind a wood chipping sawdust. Also changed the bedding and he seems fine. I have one final treatment to give him on Tuesday but I am confident problem sorted. I was worried about him because my little boy loves him and obviously I want little Bobinsky to be ok. Thanks again.