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Old 02-18-2017, 08:30 AM   #1
TeDDyLoVe
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Default Flaky skin

Hi all!! Well my Teddy baby is now one year and 8 months old and i noticed this week that he has a bit of a flakiness... like dandruff on his skin... mostly his back... is there any home remidy that I can try before going to the vet?
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Old 02-18-2017, 08:43 AM   #2
cypher
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Default Re: Flaky skin

Flax seeds & evening primrose oil work well, just give a good pinch of flax seeds daily & a drop of EPO, the generally seem to like the oil so you can put it on food or try it on a spoon.
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Old 02-19-2017, 03:08 AM   #3
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Default Re: Flaky skin

Sometimes as hamster age, flakey skin or drying skin/hair loss can be a sign of something internal going on rather than initial dryness. I didn`t see this in the syrian I had, but I did see it in my Roborovski hamsters when they grew older. It may be worth noting where the dryness is on the body and doing some research just to determine if there are any underlying conditions going on rather than topical.
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Old 02-19-2017, 06:57 AM   #4
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Default Re: Flaky skin

Yes I thought that I will try the primrose oil and just keep an close eye on it. Because he is still active, eating and drinking his water and does not seem to bother him. I also noticed a hard spot under his belly and am going to keep an eye on that to.. thought if it changes i will rather go to the vet.
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Old 02-19-2017, 09:20 AM   #5
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Default Re: Flaky skin

Yes, that seems sensible. Sometimes we notice these thing and they don`t bother the hamster at all, but it`s important to record them and if they worsen, to see a vet early before any further symptoms come on. Hamsters are very hardy little animals and will always change behaviour when they become ill or something is wrong, so noticing any changes now is a good thing. x
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Old 02-22-2017, 10:45 PM   #6
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Default Re: Flaky skin

Teddy's behavior has change a bit... he is sleeping all the time.. . He does not want to take treats from my hand as he usually does and he bit me last night ... not hard just a nibble but he has never done that before.... i am giving him the oil but getting a bit worried... is it time to go to the vet to see if there is another problem?
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Old 02-22-2017, 11:32 PM   #7
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Default Re: Flaky skin

It sounds like it is time to see the vet, changes in behaviour can often indicate health problems we may not be able to see clearly, a thorough health check by the vet should find out what the problem is.
It would be worth getting that hard spot checked out anyway.
I would continue with the oil & give him some flax seed too as it may well still be beneficial & certainly won't do any harm.
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Old 02-23-2017, 07:54 AM   #8
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Default Re: Flaky skin

My first guess would be a kidney issue - which the vet can help diagnose. It does affect the fur and skin. Usually on my older males, whose fur I notice thinning, the first step I do is reduce their protein. They also do drink more, and usually that helps reduce water consumption.

However, it would be good to speak with your vet and make sure you're acting in his best interests. It's hard to know what something is from online. Best of luck!
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Old 02-23-2017, 09:02 AM   #9
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Default Re: Flaky skin

Wouldn't you expect to see at least some changes in drinking & peeing with kidney problems Hekomi?
As he's getting older now it wouldn't hurt to cut back on any protein rich extras he may be getting anyway as they do put a strain on the kidneys & most good ham mixes have ample protein for older hams without extras.
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Old 02-23-2017, 09:22 AM   #10
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Default Re: Flaky skin

Usually I see an increased water consumption. But unless they have a regular potty area I don't always notice more urine.

I definitely think reducing protein for an older ham is a good idea. I always ramp back on my boys especially as they're the ones I notice are much more affected by the high protein. Females I find are less so.
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