ear cut on my syrian hamster

Question
Hi there,
I am wondering if you can help me, I have a Syrian hamster who lives alone. She has a cut on her ear which looks like she has scratched is as there are no sharp objects in her cage. I have bathed this in salt water but am concerned about infection as everytime it starts to heal she seems to scratch the top off and it bleeds again, opening the wound, is there anything you would suggest that would help prevent infection and help the wound to heal?
Thank you
Holly

Answer
Hi Holly

Thanks for your question - apologies in the delay in replying.

Is there any other sign she has been scratching?  Hamsters are prone to getting mites, and these tend to affect their head area - therefore if you think this could be a problem, you can treat with Ivermec.  You can buy this from a vet, or there are some products you can buy in pet shops/on-line - such as Beaphar small animal antiparasite treatment.  Whatever you use it must have Ivermec in it, and it applied externally to the back of the neck (don't apply to broken skin). The dose is usually repeated a few weeks later.

If this is an isolated problem, then it might be worth applying teatree cream - you can buy this from a pet shop and it is a natural antiseptic.  This might help prevent infection.  If she keeps scratching then it must be itchy - in which case once there is a scab you could apply aloe vera as this would be soothing.

If it looks like the infection is spreading, if the ear area starts swelling etc. then I would suggest getting a vet to look at her as she may well need antibiotics.  If this is a localised problem, the wound will heal if it is given a chance to.

I hope this helps you.

Regards
Sheila