What are the dark spots on my hamster's back? Are they normal?

Hello. You are looking at the normal scent glands found on all hamsters. Nothing to worry about. If Gert continues to be lethargic, or develops any sneezing, coughing, or wheezing, then I would be concerned about a respiratory infection & he should see a veterinarian. But the spots you are seeing are perfectly normal. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Some hamsters will have a normal change in skin color. However if the spot is raised at all I would recommend taking him to a veterinarian for an aspirate. This is where the vet looks at the cells under the microscope to tell you what exactly the spot is. Some possibilities are cyst, non cancerous growth and infection. Hope that helps.

Typically hair loss in hamsters comes with age. Older hamsters can lose their hair due to a lack of protein (less than 16%) or iron in their diet. Other hamster illnesses can cause hair loss including sarcoptic mange, demodex mites, ringworm or disease such as kidney or Cushing’s disease. When you can get him to a vet for an exam I suggest you do so. In the meantime I suggest that you make sure he has a high quality diet and cut back on cereals if you are giving him any. You can give him one drop of cod liver oil daily. You can also use this spot-on product in case the problem is mites. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beaphar-Anti-Parasite-Hamsters-Gerbils-Rabbits/dp/B073H1GXSR/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=hamster+food+oxbow&qid=1587944081&sr=8-8

Hello there! These do to be unusual spots on Percy's genitalia. There is no hamster-specific condition that would cause this that I can think of, but they do look a bit like folliculitis - an infection of the hair follicle. Hamsters do have tiny little hairs all over their testicles and prepuce (the prepuce is the skin that covers the penis), and sometimes they can get clogged with bacteria and cause a blackhead-like lesion. The only way to know if this is the cause for sure is to visit your vet - preferably, a vet that is comfortable with hamsters, or an exotics specialist. At the vet's office, they will give Percy a full physical exam, and they will likely collect a small scraped skin sample from Percy's skin lesions to look at under the microscope. This will help them determine if Percy needs a topical treatment, like antibiotics or antiseptics. I suggest giving a call to a local vet to see if they will examine a hamster, and if not, they can likely suggest someone who will. For now, you can continue keeping Percy's genitals clean with a mild soap and water solution that is rinsed and dried well. Best of luck to you and Percy!

Thanks for reaching out. Could this be a bite wound from the other hamster? The dark skin is probably necrotic (dead) dermis. It could be an abscess. Infections should be treated with systemic antibiotics and possible anti-inflammatories/analgesia, as it could be painful. A veterinary visit is recommended, as only a veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics. Good luck.

That looks like a wound of some type. Maybe from another hamster or a toy or bar in the cage? There could also be a small mass or cyst that's open. Keep that area clean and have a vet check that out in case he needs antibiotics.

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.