Aging hamsters

Question
My hamster is getting old.  His skin under his neck is wet and the skin is peeling off.  He smells like rotting flesh.  I'm concerned about pain and if there is any treatment for him.

Answer
hi cheryl

well this is a tricky one, this could be 2 things, but only your vet will know for sure.

1. either he has cut himself, under his neck, and the wound has gotten infected (which would explain the smell, and the wetness, as he will try and lick it to clean it himself, if he can't reach the wound it is probably leaking puss like fluid, again explaining the wetness and the strong unpleasant odour). if this is the problem your vet may give him antibiotics, or special cleaning solution which you will need to apply.

2. or he may have mange, like a mangey dog, he will smell. this problem is caused by parasitic mites living in the hair follicles, tho these mits can cause dryness of the skin rather than wetness. if this is the problem, your vet will do a scraping sample of the skin and verify wether your hamser does infact have mange. this can be treated tho get your vet to check for underlying problems as their may not be treatment or cures for these.

either way its not very good is it? and only your vet will be able to administer treatment for either of these problems.

i hope ive managed to help you out, even just a little, please, ask again if you need to. and let me know how you and your hamster got on.

joanne :)