Please help my Syrian!

Question
I have a two year old female Syrian hamster. She is in great condition, her appetite is normal. Her droppings and urine are normal and she has never had anything wrong with her.
But recently I have noticed a black patch in her genital region. Its about the size of a regular hamster dropping.
It wont come off. There seems to be a tiny amount of mucus near it aswell.

Please tell me what it is? Has she got a dropping stuck to her? Cancer? A tumor? Or simply a colouration of her skin?

Answer
Hi Jilly

It's difficult to know what is wrong with her without seeing her.  Hamsters can scratch themselves and this can become infected.  However, you would usually expect it to be red and quite raised.  Also, tumors are usually raised, red/purple - so it doesn't sound like this.

It is more likely to be a form of mange. When hamsters get older they are very prone to mange and the thickening of the skin - this can sometimes appear as a brown patch - a bit like a mole.  One type of mange is particularly itchy and usually affects the head, however, the other type of mange, Demodex, tends to attack the trunk and isn't particularly itchy.  This can appear when the immune system is slightly depressed which is usual in an older hamster.

In case this is what is wrong with her, you should get her to a vet - they will be able to give you a medication to get rid of this condition.  She may also need antibiotics if there is a secondary infection.  As you said there is some mucus, this could indicate that.

I would also suggest that you give her extra nutrients - the best way of doing this is to buy a packet of human baby food - the powdered variety is the best as it doesn't go bad.  My hamsters love the Creamy Porridge Oat variety, but you could try any.  Mix a small amount in water and give a teaspoonful every couple of days.

Please let me know how you get on.

Regards
Sheila