hamster hair loss

[taco bagel]

so i was just at bagels (my hamster) cage and i noticed a smallish bald patch on her neck/back area, i also noticed two very small spots on her back that look like they may be starting to lose hair, ik that hair loss can be caused by a lot of things but im just very worried considering my parents are very reluctant to take a hamster to a vet as its expensive

bagel is a relatively young hamster, I've had her for a little over a month now

if anyone knows what this may be please tell me!

[RalphsNan]

Hi Taco Bagel,

There are two areas on the body that dont have a huge amount of fur because they are scent glands - I was worried about Ralph when I first saw this. The scent glands are located mid way down their body on either side. Sometimes if Ralph is sleeping in a weird position his fur gets flattened or if hes rubbed it against his coconut shell bed it can look a bit like he is losing fur too. Hopefully someone more expert than me will answer your query too

[Moderator Team]

Hello,

Do you have a photo? How old is she?

Hair loss can be due to many things, if the skin is inflammed and sore then it will need vet atttention. Usually ivermectin (spot on) for small animals is the first port of call for skin/hair issues.

However, other things like cushings can happen , more in older hammies.

I don't know how old you are, but if your parents let you have the responsibility of having a pet, then they should also ensure all its needs can be met, which included providing vet care if needed. Sometimes, we have to be the more mature ones and explain to our parents that just because they are small, they still require the correct care Some members start doing extra chores to save for a vet fund

[Ria P]

What kind of wheel does Bagel have? If a wheel is too small and has a spindle in the middle a hamster's back could rub against it causing fur loss.

If she's scratching a lot more than usual or the skin looks red, inflamed or has scabs then it could be something that requires a visit to the vet.

[taco bagel]

Originally Posted by Ria P

What kind of wheel does Bagel have? If a wheel is too small and has a spindle in the middle a hamster's back could rub against it causing fur loss.

If she's scratching a lot more than usual or the skin looks red, inflamed or has scabs then it could be something that requires a visit to the vet.

yeah bagels wheel right now is a bit too small and I've been meaning to get a bigger one, I think this is probably most likely due to where the bald spot is, thanks!

[Ria P]

Originally Posted by taco bagel

yeah bagels wheel right now is a bit too small and I've been meaning to get a bigger one, I think this is probably most likely due to where the bald spot is, thanks!

If the wheel is too small it could also make her run in an uncomfortable position which could hurt her back.
A Syrian hamster needs a wheel at least 10in/26cm but most people get a 28cm wheel. The Trixie plastic wheel is not a bad wheel and very reasonably priced.