Fur loss :(

[danielle]

Hi Everyone,
I'm really worried about Haffertee I posted a few weeks ago having noticed that Haffertee had lost some weight and Bunsey suggested (thanks!) that it might be a slightly premature sign of hamster middle age as H has just turned one! He's been a bit less active during the hot weather but he's improved now it's cooled off a bit. However, I've just got home and got him out of his cage and his fur has got a bit patchy on top of his head and neck. I remember reading about Cushing's Disease and now I'm worrying that that's what he's got He's still quite thin and less active than he used to be (despite an escape bid earlier in the week!) Does it sound like Cushing's? I'm going to take him to the vet on Monday- does anyone have any suggestions for hamster friendly vets in North London?
Thanks so much for any ideas- it's such a relief to know that there are such helpful and knowledgeable people on the forum

[danielle]

So I took Haffertee to the vet yesterday and she thought it was either mites or Cushing's and gave me some mites treatment and said I should keep my fingers crossed. When I woke up this morning, H had awful diarrhoea I've cleaned him up as much as possible and disinfected everything to get rid of the mites and now he's gone back to sleep. He's looking pretty exhausted but fought vigorously against being cleaned which must be a good sign! I'd given him peanut butter last night as suggested by the vet to keep his weight up- is it possible this caused the diarrhoea? Now I'm worried that he's got wet tail and Cushing's. Sigh Am I best to head back to the vet tomorrow to get antibiotics or see how he goes during this week?

[suga]

I'm sorry that your hamster is poorly. if its mites then the treatment should clear it up.
I would keep a close eye on him and if he's not improving or showing signs of getting worse - take him straight back to the vet.