Why is my hamster balding near bum with a dark scent gland spot?

Hi there, I'm sorry your little hamster is having trouble. Hair loss can be from a number of things- skin parasites like skin mites are very common in these guys. Also, there can be hair loss from endocrine diseases , overgrooming from stress or other things. Your vet can test your friend for parasites and then prescribe a safe medicine that you can use. Over the counter meds, such as dog and cat flea products, would be too strong and could hurt your pet. if it is not parasites, they can check to see what else might be going on.

It could be some minor irritation or infection Keep the area clean and dry. Keep the bedding clean and dry. Monitor the spot for rapid change or growth. If necessary, see your veterinarian for an exam and treatment.

The most common causes for this in hamsters is either mites or ringworm, you will need to take him to the vet in order to get it checked and treated, it's more likely to be mites, the treatment is quite simple but ringworm needs to be ruled out first.

I am sorry that sesame isn't himself right now. My biggest concern is that something is causing the crust in the hair on his rear end. He potentially could have a wound, skin infection, parasites or even diarrhea. The hair is likely falling out secondary to this dried debris and him potentially chewing. I would strongly recommend you contact your veterinarian for an exam so they can figure out what is causing the fur to stick together in the first place and possible medications if needed. I hope this sweet boy starts to feel better really soon!

Thanks for your question about Brian. If the bald patch is growing in size that quickly, and if it is also associated with redness, flakey skin, or evidence of pain, I would recommend that he be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation. I didn’t see how old he is, but infections, cancer, and hormonal disease are very common in hamsters. Your veterinarian may take a sample of the skin and fur in the area, and depending on what they find, they may recommend medications for him. Please don’t give Brian any human medications at home, as many of them are harmful to our furry friends. I hope that gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for reaching out about Bobo and including photos, although difficult to determine a lesion by the pictures. Do you have mosquito problems? External parasites such as mites or fleas are possible, as are bacterial skin infections. Try cleaning the area with a mild soap. If the lesion or hair loss progresses, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Hair loss and skin infection in hamsters is most commonly caused by either ringworm, a bacterial infection or skin mites. This could also be caused by trauma to the head, especially if there is another hamster in the enclosure. It is also important to note that the life span of a hamster is about 2 years so Flash is considered ‘geriatric’. It would be a good idea if you had him checked out by your veterinarian to ensure nothing else too serious is going on. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.