Possible allergic reaction

Question
QUESTION: we just acquired a dwarf hamster on Sunday, during the ride and at the pet shop "Hammy" was fine and nice. Now today Monday I noticed a  scab developing on her back behind the ears, she seems very itchy, rolling around on her back and scratching that spot severely. She also bites when you try to pick her up. I got everything the pet store had, food, bedding, etc. The only thing that was different was that on the way home we offered the hamster a red grape. I realize that was bad. Could that be an allergic reaction to the grape? And that the biting is a result of being in pain? Is there anything I can put on it to relieve the itch?

ANSWER: Hi Kelly

Sorry to hear that Hammy isn't doing too well.  With regard to her biting, dwarf hamsters can be a little temperatmental and it might just be because she isn't used to you.  Before handling her, rub some of her bedding onto your  hands and then place a hand each side of her and quickly 'scoop' her up.  Immediately transfer her onto your clothing.  A lot of hamsters don't like to walk on skin.  If you try to do this daily and increase the handling time hopefully she will start to come around.

I doubt very much that the grape has caused the problem - I've never heard of this before.  I would think it is more likely to either be a bite (was she in the cage with any other hamsters?) or some sort of parasitic infection.  Parasites are very hard to treat in dwarf hamsters because of their tiny body weight.  With Syrians there is a lot of medication that can be used, but with dwarf hamsters it is difficult to know what dosage to give and I have not found an 'over the counter' medicine that is safe to use.  Some vets will treat with ivermectin but it would be a tiny dose (in Syrians you only use a drop, so in a dwarf it would be a fraction of this).  Do not be tempted to treat with a standard small animal anti-parasite medication as this could be far too strong.  There is a 'sulfur dip' that some vets use to treat mites.  For the sore area, you could apply some aloe vera - if you buy this make sure it is safe if ingested.  You could also try using teatree cream which is sold in pet shops and is a natural antiseptic, but make sure it is safe for dwarf hamsters.  You could also perhaps just bathe the sore area with some cooled salt water as this will help keep it clean. However if this is mites then a vet would probably need consulting.

I suggest you give the cage a good clean and put in new bedding.  You could also give her a dust bath - you need to get a low dish and fill it with 'chinchilla dust' that is sold in pet shops.  She will be able to roll around in this and clean her coat.  If there is no improvement in a day or two I would suggest getting veterinary advice, or if she shows any signs of not being well, it would be better to consult one as soon as possible.  I would be tempted to mention the situation to the pet shop - whilst they may not be able to say what is wrong, nor want to, they might be able to offer some advice.

I hope you get on OK.

Regards
Sheila



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for some helpful tips. She is alone in her very own cage, later today I will be changing the bedding because I have notice that she squints when in it and when out her eyes are more open. I actually work at a vet so my resources of meds and literature are available, but my current Vet does not treat Exotic pets. LOL, Hence you guys as my experts to help. She's eating and drinking well but she just seems  uncomfortable. So a change in bedding and thorough cleaning will be done. Should I also refrain the children from playing with her, could it be do from stress. I'm going to try to supply you a picture of it. I heard baby powder and neosporin can help, is that true? The teatree cream, I have the oil, could that be used? Thanks for responding so quickly as I feel you know my concern on relieving my itchy Hammy.

Answer
Hi Kelly

What type of bedding are you using?  If it is a woodchip I would advise that you stop using this for a week and just put shredded paper bedding in.  Some woodchip is made from pine, cedar or cypress and this contains a volatile oil called thujone and this can cause skin irritation/allergies.  It is important to check that bedding/woodchip is safe for animals but sometimes it is hard to know for sure.  It would certainly be worth considering this option.

I'm not sure about neosporin - I've never used it.  Regarding teatree oil - you could perhaps try a drop, but I would be tempted to opt for aloe vera as this might stop the itching. Teatree is an antiseptic and only really of use if the skin is broken and it infects.  Salt water will work just as well.

Would you like to email me your mailing address and I will happily send you a free copy of the book I wrote with my vet?  My email address is hamster.lady@virgin.net  You and your vet might find it helpful as it contains a lot of veterinary information as Dan, who wrote it with me, specialises in exotic pets and did a huge amount of research for the book.  We also consulted a homeopathic vet so that we could include alternative treatments and you might find this helpful.

Regards
Sheila