Warning: Undefined variable $href_target in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/phpGiggle/phpgiggle-config.inc.php on line 44 Hamster has bald spots and is itchy | Ask A Vet
Species: Other Breed: Dwarf Hamster Age: 1-2 years
My dwarf hamster has a rather large bald spot above her left front leg. I noticed she has been scratching the area a lot more than usual and will scratch her right side as well although that side has no balding. The bald area is not quite red, but a pinkish hue. Her behavior has been normal. She has been eating, running on her wheel, and climbing. She has had the bald spot since Friday. She has had no changes to her diet and I clean out her cage every week. I also cleaned it out yesterday in case anything was causing irritation, however I do not use wood shavings only paper based bedding.
I'm worried that she could have mites or it could be something worse. I also have a picture of the area I would be happy to e-mail you.
Warning: Undefined variable $related_questions in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75
Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75
Warning: Undefined variable $related_articles in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75
Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75
Dr. Marie replied:
I would love to see a picture! Can you email it to photos@askavetquestion.com?
Thanks!
Dr. Marie.
Warning: Undefined variable $displayed in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/answer_np.php on line 253
Do you have a pet website? Interested in learning more about SEO for Wix?
Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.
Customer reply:
Picture has been sent. Thanks!
Dr. Marie replied:
Thanks for the picture of your cutie!
There are only a few things that can cause bald spots in hamsters and also some itchiness. Unfortunately you are likely going to need a vet visit in order to get this cleared up.
It certainly is possible that this is due to mites. Sometimes mites can come in on new bedding. I've seen hamsters with mites even though they have no contact with other hamsters.
Another possibility is a parasite called demodex.
Both mites and demodex are treatable with medication from the vet - either ivermectin or possibly an adaptation of a dog/cat flea medicine.
Some hamsters can get ringworm which can cause these symptoms. Ringworm is a fungal infection. In my experience this is not as common as mites or demodex. Ringworm is treatable with antifungal medicine from the vet.
There are some unusual conditions that can cause hair loss such as lymphoma (a type of cancer) and cushing's disease, but these are unlikely.
If your hamster wasn't itchy I would wonder if she had simply caught herself on something and pulled some fur out, but she shouldn't be itchy.
If this seems to be getting worse rather than better then you'll need to seek out a vet for her. I wish I could give you an at home cure, but there isn't likely to be one.
Dr. Marie.
Customer reply:
Thank you for all your help! I'm making a vet appointment for her tomorrow. I want to make sure she gets better soon!
Search for similar questions:
Popular questions...
Itchy dog. I had noticed the oldest one of my dogs, Chloe, chewing and itching a little more... (51868 views)
Anal gland problems. Hello. I am a veterinary assistant and I am having an issue with my Cane Corso's... (11789 views)
Terbutaline and atenolol. Hi Dr. Marie, I’m interested in your thoughts on what may have caused my... (23894 views)
Dog ate food with onions. my dog ate cut up sausage but it had onion,will he get sick... (14630 views)
Vomiting puppy. My 30 day old Lab is pukes when I feed him milk and I think is dehydrated as his... (15212 views)
Paralyzed Rottweiler. 10 yr old rottie mix 100 lbs suddenly became unable to move or walk 5 days ago. He... (16941 views)
My dog ate goose poop. Dr,
Max was walking in the park today and picked up what I believe was an old... (139692 views)
Large blister on ear. MY DOG HAS WHAT LOOKS AND FEELS LIKE A LARGE WATER BLISTER ON HIS EAR WHAT COULD IT... (21928 views)
Gerbil's head exploded. We have had two gerbils for a couple of years but last night one of there heads... (20399 views)
Veterinarian, Dr. Marie created this site to be able to provide quick, accurate veterinary advice online. She would love to help with your pet's problem!
Dr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.
Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.