Sick ham-ham?

Question
Hi, just want to ask if i should be worried about my pet, Hammy (a teddy bear, about 6-7 mos old)?  The sound Hammy makes is sort of like an exhaling sound, not really wheezing sound..its more of like a "loud" exhale? i mean its not really loud but i can hear it coming from him. he doesn't always make the sound but every now and then i hear it coming from him (usually when he's cleaning himself, especially his face). he goes on for a short period of time , stops (for a LONG time) ,and then makes the sound again.

Also, i noticed that he has a small bald spot on his back. it didn't seem to have scars from scratching (skin is soft, although color is somewhat pinkish-black??). So far its the only one and i don't really know what exactly caused it. I did a little research and found out these reasons: 1. lack of vitamins, 2. mite problem, 3. allergic reaction from bedding, 4. sick, and 5. old age

im sure it's neither 3 nor 5 because he's been in the same type of bedding for almost 3 months already and he's just about 7 mos old. if its #2, is there a home remedy for it? I just started to feed him a more varied diet to see if his condition improves. Sorry for so much questions, dogs and cats the the only animals being taken to vets from where i'm from.

Answer
Hi Jan

It is hard to know if there is anything wrong with your hamster without seeing him.  They don't usually make much of a sound other than squeaking, snoring etc.  Are there any other symptoms - how is he behaving?  Does he appear to be fine apart from this?  Is he eating/playing normally?

Regarding the small bald spot = whereabouts is this?  Is it to one side, more on his hip?  If so then it could be a scent gland.  These are symmetrical and often there can be a bald patch around it, and the skin has a black dot.  These are normal.  If it isn't this, then it could be mites, or he might have scratched himself/caught himself on something.  It is always worth checking any tubes/houses etc. in case there is a rough spot.  If this is mites, then this is easily treated with an anti parasitic medication called Ivermectin.  This is applied externally to the back of the neck.  Beaphar make a small animal version of this which is designed for hamsters otherwise vets can prescribe this medication.  Check the instructions carefully before applying.

Do you want to send a photo of this?

Regards
Sheila