Hamster Hair Loss Turning Blue

knn · 07-01-2010, 02:39 PM

I have a year and a half old Syrian hamster who started getting a bit of hair loss on her back a couple weeks ago. I thought it was maybe just because she was getting older, but it seems to have spread and now the skin there is looking blue-ish and dry.

Has anyone seen this? I'm heading out of town in a few days for a week and I'm afraid to leave her.

Some pictures to help:

It's hard to see because her fur is already dark, but I hope someone might know..? And I hope it's not cushings.

Thank you!

souffle · 07-01-2010, 02:58 PM

I've never seen this before to be honest however it does fit with the description of Cushings skin pigment spots.
I'm guessing you have read the article on the WIKI?
A few days will be fine as long as she is eating and drinking well and she has a carer.
Welcome to the forum.

wofunny · 07-01-2010, 03:01 PM

welcome to the forum! Souffle has pretty much said everything. Hope she gets better soon

x

princess-rhi89 · 07-01-2010, 03:21 PM

This is how my Milly looked when her cushings started, I hope that your little one will be ok, if she starts to get sore patches the best thing to get her is a moisturising cream for hamsters to rub in to make it as comfortable as possible for her.
Best wishes little one xx

knn · 07-01-2010, 03:33 PM

Thank you for the help! She doesn't seem sore yet, but I'll look in to the moisturizing cream.

I was also just cleaning her and I noticed that there are some dark spots where there is still fur. Does that happen with cushings too, or is it usually hair loss first?

Thanks again <3

wofunny · 07-01-2010, 03:41 PM

Sorry I can't help much but if you haven't already I would take a look at this. Cushings Disease in Syrian Hamsters - Hamster Central WIKI

princess-rhi89 · 07-01-2010, 03:43 PM

well Maisie had fur loss and started to get dark patches of skin, this then developed into dry skin and scabs, she was still eating right until I had her pts, her scabs started to peel and she smelt really bad and the scabs looked infected, the most visual may to discribe it was as though she was rotting from the outside in, it was really upsetting. I hope your little one doesnt suffer like my Maisie, I will keep my fingers crossed for you that it is just old age, however if it cushings it is probably best that you expect the worst. If you need to talk on here, or via PM I am happy to help.
Here is the link to the wiki which describes cushings in greater detail: Cushings Disease in Syrian Hamsters - Hamster Central WIKI

knn · 07-01-2010, 03:56 PM

I'm sorry to hear that about Maisie. It sounds awful.

Thank you both for the link. I'm still hoping it's not that, but I'll prepare for it just in case.

I know she's getting older, but she still seems like a baby to me. <3

fluffymunchkins · 07-01-2010, 11:22 PM

I can't help much, but I just wanted to send best wishes for her and you xx

**Hope** · 07-02-2010, 01:13 AM

Welcome to the forum, sorry its under such circumstances.

I cant really add anything else to what everyone else has said, I just wanted to send my best wishes to you and your little one. She still sounds like she is enjoying life, and eating, drinking, pooping ok. I hope that she contiunes for a while yet.