Skin Problems

[Shawn]

Hi PLC,

         My 7 months old hamster has recently been dropping a lot of fur under his belly and the skin is reddish.Is this a sign of skin disease?Please help me!

[Pet Care Consultant]

Hi Shawn,

Amidst the possible causes indicated herein, it is categorized either as disease and non-disease conditions. 

Allow us to cite some common causes (disease and non disease)of fur loss on the belly which may include urine scald, constant rubbing of the exercise wheel, bedding allergies, fungal/bacterial medical skin problems, natural fur shedding process (moulting) or dietary deficiency issues. We suggest to check these possible causes and have an appropriate steps to address them.

If signs persist, refer immediately to your veterinarian.

With best regards,

Eliezer M. Bauzon, DVM RN

[Shawn]

Hi, I observed that my dwarf hamster has wet fur around his tail area.Could it be he has wet tail?

[Pet Care Consultant]

Hi Shawn,

Wet tail is caused by infectious microorganisms and it is characterized by excessive watery diarrhea on hamsters.  This requires antimicrobial medications wherein only your veterinarian may prescribe. If you observed soiled tail (due to diarrhea) then it is possibly a wet tail.

We suggest to check profoundly the frequency and consistency of the stool of your hamster. Refer immediately to your veterinarian if diarrhea persists as it may lead to dehydration and may cause untimely loss of your pet.

Do check too the factors of this diarrhea (wet tail) occurence and are usually precipitated by stress such as overcrowding, high environmental temperature and humidity, heavy internal and external parasite load, and nutritionally inadequate diets.

With warm regards,

Eliezer M. Bauzon, DVM RN

[Shawn]

Hi PLC,
I have observed my hamster's stool but is is not watery so it is not wet tail. However i observed that that the lower part of his body is almost bald now.My hamster sleeps a lot now and does not do anything.

[Pet Care Consultant]

Hi Shawn,

We suggest the following for this case:

1. Offer your hamster nutritional supplements, which may help them cope with the current clinical signs.

2. Provide ambient environment with optimum temperature approximately within room temperature. We suggest futher not to expose them on too hot nor too cold temperature.  Provide your pet too with clean and dry beddings and cage.

3. If signs persist, refer immediately to your veterinarian, as it may indicate infection that need antimicrobial medication wherein your veterinarian may only prescribe.

Feel free to contact us, if you need further clarifications and assistance. 

With best regards,

Eliezer M. Bauzon, DVM RN

[Shawn]

Hi PLC,  I read on the Internet about a skin disease called "Cushing's Disease" and I read all the symptoms and my hamster fits them all. Is there any medication for this kind of illnesses , please help, I am extremely worried.Thanks!

[Pet Care Consultant]

Hi Shawn,

Cushing is a physiological disease arising from hormonal surge. In particular, the clinical signs and biochemical abnormalities result primarily from chronic excess production of cortisol.  The onset of this medical condition may fall within more than 1.5 years old hamster.  It is however, important to have a veterinary clinical laboratory work out to rule out other possible causes. Cortisol level in the blood as well as glucose in the urine are the usual laboratory checks for such condition. Lab settings and examination may differ depending on your vet clinic/hospital's assessments and protocols.

Cushing syndrome should referred immediately to your veterinarian for appropriate therapy, as it requires control on hormonal surge and only prescription medication may help the current suspected medical condition of your pet.

Feel free to contact us if you need further clarifications and assistance.

With best regards,

Eliezer M. Bauzon, DVM RN