Winter White Hamster Bald spot

Question

Bald spot Flash  

Bald Spot No Flash   On 6/30, I purchased 3 winter white hamsters from a nationwide pet shop. Pet store associate assured me that all three were from a same litter and have been together since birth and will not have any trouble getting along. If there's any issue, I could return them.

The next day(Sunday), I noticed that the smallest one(Marcus) is being chased by another hamster and had matted fur above his tail (lower back). I immediately separated Marcus from others. At night, Marcus seemed to be scratching more than usual. I thought he perhaps had a reaction to bedding. So I changed his bedding from carefresh to Aspen shavings which was in his cage at the pet store. Could not find any vet who treats rodent after-hours. I took Marcus to a vet first thing Monday A.M. The vet said he doesn't have parasites such as mites or lice.  He said the itching was coming from healing wounds caused by other hamsters picking on him. I wanted to buy an ointment, but the vet said they are healing all nicely and I'd give Marcus more stress trying to put ointment on him. The matted hair above his tail looked better each day. Unfortunately, Marcus wouldn't let me touch that area so i never could get a good look at it.

I pet and play with my hamsters every day. This evening, I felt big scab-like thing on Marcus's head. It felt hard and pointy. I tried to check for parasites, but couldn't really see anything moving. Then within a few hours, fur fell out while Marcus groomed himself. Now I see a pink/red bald spot on his head and very concerned. Could it be a ringworm? But I thought ringworm was flat and literally a ring. On Marcus's bald spot, I cannot see a definite ring.  The whole area just looks raw.  I am going to try to take him to see a vet again, but hesitant to go to the one I went last Monday.  It's not easy finding a good vet who treats rodents.

Please review two photos I attached and give me your opinion. Could Marcus be just balding from bite wounds, or is it caused by ringworm?  Or could he have mites? He seems to scratch more than two other hamsters but not excessively. Eats and drinks fine.  Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer
Hi Kelly

Thanks for your question - I'm sorry to hear about Marcus.

It is very difficult for me to know exactly what this is.  If this is ringworm, then your vet can do a simple test - if they shine an ultraviolet light on the area it should fluorese. They can also send off hair that has been plucked out of the area for testing which will confirm it definitely.

In terms of handling him, if it is this you must be careful as it can be transfered to other animals - so every time you handle him wash your hands thoroughly before handling any others.

However, this may well be as your vet suggested in that he was injured.  Bites can cause infections and areas to become very red/scabby etc.

You can try a couple of things to see if there is any improvement - there is a natural antiseptic called teatree cream that you can buy in pet shops - this can be applied.  You could also use aloe vera which might help this heal (either in cream form - sometimes you can get this from pet shops or if you have an aloe vera plant you could use this).  In order to apply it you might be better off using a cotton bud so that you don't have to touch the area, and also you might find this easier if he won't let you go near it. I suspect this could be a two person job, but if you get some of the cream on a cotton bud you might be able to get some on him. These treatments should help make the area more comfortable for him and also start the healing process.

If the area looks as though it is getting bigger, other areas appear like this, if it shows sign of infection - i.e. pus, then definitely get him back to the vet in case it is ringworm, or is a bite that has infected in which case he will need antibiotics.

Hamster bites can be quite severe - I have known some who have had large chunks removed and the wounds look dreadful, but they often heal well providing the area is kept clean and doesn't infect.

I hope this helps you.

Regards
Sheila