Hamster; mites? dandruff?

Fidgetthefirst · 12-22-2009, 12:00 PM

I've posted a question before and ive looked around and if its mites, ive seen that they tend to have hair loss, but my hamster doesnt?

He just has alot of "Dandruff"

it doesnt come of with a brush - i brush him daily (long haired

) and he's not scratching at all. He's got the vet appointment tomorrow - but my mom thinks its a waste of money because she knows theres nothing wrong with him - even though she doesnt no of course. She thinks its stupid taking a hamster to the vet? Has he got mites or just dandruff? and is it stupid?

souffle · 12-22-2009, 12:52 PM

No it is not stupid to take him if you have seen a change in his condition Fidgett. It could be mites however dry skin is not uncommon in older hamsters. A drop of cod liver oil can help but this does not smell or taste nice so he may not take it. Usually put it on his food. You can get some debittered brewers yeast and sprinkle it on his food or mix in a porridge and this helps skin conditions. Could it be bedding stuck in his fur?
Some mites cannot be seen with the naked eye and need microscopic examination by a vet but there is a type called a fur mite which is larger and you can see these. They do move though so if yours are not moving it will not be these.
I'd take him in to give you peace of mind.

suga · 12-23-2009, 12:10 AM

I would still take him to the vet as you need to know for sure that he's okay. Hope your mum is in agreement and that you get there and back safely

Fidgetthefirst · 12-23-2009, 02:31 AM

Thanks - i mean it probably is dandruff, because he was around 9 months old when we got him, and then we've had him for just over a year. But his fur was terribly greasy last night as well, so, and im 99% sure its not mites, because the flkes are all different sizes, and from what i can see ( he doesnt sit still ever 'hence his name Fidget' from what i can see there not moving, but its just annoying, his fur, just looks a bit

And im sure the skin underneath is a little bit sore - i could barley see because of all the hair and dandruff. His appointment is 4.40 this evening, so fingers crossed he'll be fine.