Losing fur in hamster

Question
We have an appx 1-2 year old male hamster and he is losing his fur mainly around his neck and upper back.  I have been unable to find info as to the cause.  He does not seem to have any mites or skin rash or lesions.  We have had him for about a year and he just started this.  No new bedding or anything.  Can you advise?

Answer
Hi Janet.

The British Hamster Association has a wonderful article on dermatitis and alopecia (the technical term for baldness) written by Liz Johnson at this URL:

http://www.britishhamsterassociation.org.uk/get_article.php?fname=journal/dermat...

The part that would be of concern to you is as follows:

"Hormonal problems, especially in the elderly hamster, can lead to hair loss. Typically this is patchy, bilaterally symmetrical and leaves the rest of the hair quite healthy and thick. This could be caused by tumours in the endocrine (hormone producing)glands, or more seriously, by renal failure in the old hamster. It is also seen as a symptom of overactive and underactive thyroid problems in the elderly animal and may not be treatable. 1-2 drops of cod liver oil and a daily crushed yeast tablet have been reported to decrease hair loss in the elderly hamster and certainly will not do any harm."

I hope that helps!