Woody needs your help!

Question
I have a long-haired hamster called Woody who is usually a lively and friendly little creature. We got him in October 2002. One of the past problems he's experienced is hairloss and his scent glands are quite bold and are visible most of the time.

Recently when I wake him up his left eye is 'glued' half shut with a crusty sleep (rather like what we get on our eyes.) To get it to open you have to bathe his eye and even then it is not open as wide as the other one. Also, he is not as active as usual and sleeps a lot and is far less playful. I've noticed a lot of hairloss on his stomach, face, back and bottom.

PLEASE HELP! I am getting very worried about my furry friend.

-Hazel

Answer
Hazel,
 This could be a host of problems. First of all, hamsters frequently wake up with crusty eyes that do eventually open. That is completely normal. If your hammie has a history of minor health problems and is getting older, then you really should bring him to a vet to diagnosis the problem. Good luck!

Blake