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Whats wrong with my hamster2007-11-24 22:18:42

he has some bald spots and his fur is really thin, he is a male teddybear haster.

Answers:

There are a few possible illnesses that could be the cause of the bald spots and thin fur.

It might be mange. Mange is caused by mites, and is a serious and contagious skin disease. Other symtoms include little black dots on your hamster's fur (the mites) scratching, and scabs around the nose, ears and genitials. If you suspect that your hamster has this, keep it away from your family and all other pets. Bring your hamster to the vet AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. . If you do not see any of these other symtoms, though, he probably doesn't have it.

If you see the little black dots, but none of the other listed symtoms above, it is probably mites or fleas. If you solve this in the early stages, it can help your hamster steer clear of mange. Dust the hamster with pyrethrin powder or spray, being sure not to get this in the hamster's eyes. Also put this in the cage while cleaning it as well. If you cannot find it in the pet store, ask an employee there of any other hamster-safe parasite treatments.

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection. If your hamster has circular patches of dry, scaly skin, then he probably has ringworm. Always handle your hamster with gloves, because this infection is contagious to humans too. You will need to take your hamster to the vetrinarian to get a povidone-iodine shampoo to help cure this.

Or, the problem could be just regular hair loss. A low protien diet (less than 16%) could have caused this, or perhaps rubbing against the wheel or bedding. 18 months doesn't sound like an old hamster, so the cause couldn't have been chronic renal failure.