I have a Robo Dwarf Hamster, and he has bald spots on his neck, stomach, and mostly legs...?

Question

I have had it for about two mounths, i got it from a neighbor and have no idea how old it is, it didn't have any bald spots before i got it. it has been constantly scratching and itching at his underside. My last hampster had the same problem we took it to a vet who told us it wasn't mites...he gave us this shampoo to use put it didn't work because 2 months later my hampster died.

I have changed the bedding and the food and have been giving it toys and treats, it does not have the same cage as the last one...the only thing in common is the food which i recently changed. I have also noticed a lack of playfulness and she seems disorented, she flips on her back when she comes out of her tube and has a hard time getting back on her feet where as before she had no problem. please help!!! :(

Answer 1

Red skin and loss of fur with excessive itching is definitely a sign of mites / mange in your hamster fur.

The mites will irritate the hamster's skin and so the hamster will scratch excessively. The skin hence appears sore and red and there is fur loss. On close inspection the mites may be seen as small specks moving through the coat of the hamster.

Mild cases of mite infestations can be treated with an anti-mite spray designed for caged birds or small animals available from pet shops. The head of the hamster should be shielded to avoid spraying into the eyes and the body sprayed. The cage should be cleaned, sprayed with the anti-mite spray and clean bedding should be provided. This treatment should be repeated as directed on the anti-mite spray.

Hamsters suffering from mites should be isolated from any other hamsters or animals and be placed in a room of their own to avoid spreading mites to other animals.

If mild cases fail to improve within a day or two or in cases of severe mite infestation, or if signs of Mange develop veterinary treatment should be sought.

Mange is a severe problem caused by mites which may be passed from other infected hamsters or hay infected with mites and it is highly infectious. The hamster scratches a lot, particularly around its ears, has dry flaky skin and obvious fur loss, particularly on the back. There may also be scabs around the ears, nose and genitals.

The hamster should be isolated from any others, the cage should be thoroughly disinfected using a disinfectant specifically designed for small animal cages. Any bedding should be replaced completely and veterinary treatment should be sought immediately.