hammy scars

Question
Hi there,

This is probably my 3rd time emailing and i really thank you for all the advice you've provided. Its very helpful since i'm from a place where these small creatures aren't as prioritized like cats and dogs.

I have a female Syrian hammy who's around 1 and a half years old. I'm concerned because lately I've been noticing several small scars on her back. I believe she got it from scratching since she does it a lot, plus, she really has sharp nails. I've been trying my best to try and trim them but she really wiggles a lot. Is there any other way for me to trim her nails without the risk of traumatizing the little guy or from getting bit?

Also, is there a natural remedy to either get rid of fleas or at least soothe her scars and prevent them from getting infected? I have tried giving her baths (or rather showers since i don't use any shampoo on her) to somehow at least soothe the itchiness. I know you shouldn't do such but I do my best to keep her warm after her baths (wrapped in her own towel and dried in a warm place). I'm from a tropical country in Asia where a temperature of 36-38C is considered normal) Any suggestions to help my hammy?

Thanks a lot!
Jan

Answer
Hi Jan

thanks for your question.

First of all, have you tried treating her with an antiparasitic medication?  if not, I would suggest you do this.  If you can't buy it locally, or get it from a vet, you can find it On-line.  The one you want contains a drug called Ivermectin.  If you go to the vet they put a drop on the back of the hamster's neck and repeat this a couple of weeks later.  However, if you can get hold of Beaphar Small Animal Anti parasite medication (make sure it is the one for Syrian hamsters), then this will suffice.  Follow the instructions carefully - it is applied externally to the back of the neck. I don't know of a natural treatment.

I would avoid keep washing her - the only time I every wash a hamster is if they have a medical condition that needs this.  

If she has any sore areas from scratching, then you could put salt water on them, or apply Teatree cream (you get this from a pet shop - it is a natural antiseptic) and this should help them heal.

With regard to cutting toe nails - this is a bit difficult.  As you have discovered, hamsters don't like having their nails cut or being held for long.  I don't think there is an easy way of doing this, other than perhaps getting someone to help you hold them steady.  But you must be quick (but careful that you don't cut the nail too short and cause it to bleed) otherwise she might try to bite.  You could use a towel to try and contain her, or get someone to scruff her.  If you scruff her it is important not to hold her too tight (or skin too tight at the back of her neck) as hamster's eyes protrude so much, if you grab too much of the skin at the back of the neck the eyes can almost pop out, and you can cause serious damage to them. So care must be taken if you go down this route.  In theory hamster's nails don't need cutting unless they start to curl under in which case just the tips need to come off so that they don't imbed in the foot.

I hope you get on Ok and this helps you.

Regards
Sheila