Sesame seed stuck in scent gland?

[Vierville]

Nanuk, my 18 month old male winter white dwarf hybrid has always had a prominent scent gland, but this evening while giving him his weekly health check, I noticed that his scent gland seems just a little bit bigger than usual and I found what looks exactly like a sesame seed embedded in the scent gland.

He does occasionally get sesame seeds as a treat so it is not impossible as he has access to them but can it really be a sesame seed in there or could it be a part of his gland that I've never noticed?

There is a bit of green/greyish waxy buildup around the scent gland but that is usually there.

I'm going to take him to the vet in the morning just to check it but has anyone else seen anything like it before?

I couldn't get a photo as he is too squirmy.

[cypher]

Sounds like he might have a bit of an infection there, it does happen sometimes but usually clears up quickly enough if treated so I hope the vet can help & he’ll be fine soon.

[Vierville]

Thanks Cypher, he's in at the vets right now.

[Vierville]

It was indeed a blocked scent gland with a bit of an infection. The vet gave me some antibiotics to give him. Shame Nanuk was most unimpressed at all of this and came home in a very grumpy mood bless him.

[cypher]

Aww! can’t blame him really poor little man, hope he’s all better very soon.

[Ria P]

Poor Nanuk! The antibiotic should sort him out though. You must be an expert in administering hamster medication by now which helps i suppose.

[Vierville]

Originally Posted by Ria P

Poor Nanuk! The antibiotic should sort him out though. You must be an expert in administering hamster medication by now which helps i suppose.

Haha actually my wife and I were having this conversation a few minutes ago...I've been giving Nanuk his medication orally by syringe twice a day for almost precisely a year now.

The medication he got for his gland is a liquid that we're administering on an ear bud (Q tip). I'm quite surprised, after the vet cleaning it out, there is quite a big hollow there. The vet advised that it will close up over the next day or two.

[Josie]

Poor Nanuk, hope he is getting better now

[Vierville]

Originally Posted by Josie

Poor Nanuk, hope he is getting better now

Thank you. He is doing well thanks, no more inflammation in his scent gland and he will get the last of his ointment tomorrow.He is such a good little guy, he barely makes a fuss when I apply it.

[MyHamsterAdventures]

Hi Vierville, glad Nanuk is doing better. Did you get a picture of the infected scent gland. I was thinking it might be useful for other visitors of this page.