How To Treat Skin Disease in Hamsters

Pets can be affected by several skin diseases.Most of the skin diseases are caused by parasites.A skin disease can make a hamster uncomfortable.If you notice a skin problem on your hamster, take it to your vet and follow all the instructions.

Step 1: Take your pet to the vet.

hamsters have a lot of skin diseases.Your vet will use a scalpel to slice through the skin and look for mites.A white piece of paper may be used to catch the mites.Your vet would look at the mites with a magnifying glass.There are two species of mites that affect hamsters.One of the species, Demodex criceti, is fairly easy to see and will look short and squat when viewed with a microscope.

Step 2: You should isolated your hamster.

If you have more than one hamster, make sure the one with mites is isolated.You don't want your hamsters to have a mite problem.If multiple hamsters are affected, treat them all at the same time.

Step 3: The hamster should be treated as prescribed.

Treatments are available for mites.There is one treatment for this.hamsters don't like baths very much, so you may want to use a different method for bathing your hamster.You would apply a medication to the affected skin areas.It is possible to treat parasites with oral ivermectin.A prescribed number of ivermectin drops would be put into your hamster's mouth.Anti-mite sprays can be used over the counter.Don't use over-the-counter medication on your hamster.A whole body dip is recommended.A bath product containing ivermectin would be used in this dip.Your vet would show you how to do it.

Step 4: If necessary, repeat the treatment.

Old hamsters and people with weak immune systems may need to be treated more than once.Discuss your treatment with your vet.

Step 5: Your hamster has a cage.

The mites can be found in the cage bedding.Cleaning and sterilizing your hamster's cage is necessary to treat mites.Throw away all of the bedding after you remove everything from the cage.The inside of the cage should be washed with hot, soapy water and a sponge or scrub brush.All cage accessories should be washed with hot, soapy water.You can get a hamster-safe cage Disinfectant at your local pet store.According to the instructions on the label, Disinfect the cage and cage accessories.Before putting the items back in the cage, allow them to dry.Fresh bedding can be used.

Step 6: Have your vet look at the ringworm.

Ringworm is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes.There are patches of hair loss where the skin looks flaky and red if your hamster has ringworm.To diagnose ringworm, your vet will use a lamp and microscope to look at the affected skin and fur.There are areas of skin that look like rings.Older hamsters are prone to ringworm.

Step 7: Follow instructions.

There are a number of treatment options for ringworm.There are two options, one containing povidone and the other an antifungal medication.The bath is the best place to trim your hamsters fur.Your hamster may not want to be bathed.Another option for treatment is with the medication griseofulvin.After your vet shaves the affected skin areas, you would apply the ointment at home.During treatment, isolated the affected hamster.Treatment for ringworm can last up to 21 days.When handling a hamster, you should wear gloves and wash your hands.

Step 8: Your hamster has a cage.

A hamster can get ringworm.To clean the cage, use hot, soapy water.Clean bedding should be put in when the cage is completely dry.Gloves are used when cleaning your hamster's cage.

Step 9: The cage needs to be wellventilated.

If your hamster's cage doesn't get a lot of fresh air, it could become damp, which could increase the risk of a ringworm.Purchase a wire cage if you don't already have one.A wire cage has a lot of air.Purchase a wire cage top if you don't want to buy a new cage.

Step 10: Take your hamster to the vet.

A hamster can get a skin wound if it fights with its cage mate or is scratched.A pocket of infection can be caused by this wound.When you take your hamster to the vet, they will take a sample from the wound to identify the type ofbacteria in it.The best antibiotic will be determined by the type ofbacteria.Territorial female hamsters can bite each other.

Step 11: Allow the vet to treat the wound.

An antibiotic will be injected into the area if an abscess has formed.If the abscess erupts on its own, your vet will drain it and flush it with an antiseptic until it is clean.If you want to take care of the affected area at home, your vet will prescribe an antibiotic ointment.

Step 12: The cause of the wound should be removed.

Put the hamsters in separate cages if it has a bite wound.If the wound was caused by sharp bedding, replace it with something soft, like shredded toilet paper or paper towel.You can help prevent future skin wounds by removing the cause of the wound.