Attached is an article which explains about Mites in hamsters and the symptoms. Mites live on hamsters as a matter of course, in very small numbers, but can proliferate and cause an infestation, when the hamster's immune system is low. Stress, or poor diet can cause reduced immunity. Sometimes an underlying illness can lead to lowered immunity also, but generally, with good care, minimal stress and a good diet, hamsters stay mite-free.
Signs of mites are not just scratching (hamsters groom a lot and scratching is normal) but usually some hair loss and sore patches where the scratching has been excessive. They can also get ear mites and nose mites.
Treatment is usually topical Invermectin (although sometimes a vet may give an injection instead) but this should never be purchased for home use. It is very strong and can be toxic to hamsters. It needs a proper diagnosis to ensure it actually is mites (this needs a skin scraping by the vet, to be examined under microscope) as there are other things that can cause hair loss and skin soreness (including allergy). Invermectin should only be used if prescribed by the vet and in the correctly prescribed dosage.
To see the article, click on "Go to download" top right
Signs of mites are not just scratching (hamsters groom a lot and scratching is normal) but usually some hair loss and sore patches where the scratching has been excessive. They can also get ear mites and nose mites.
Treatment is usually topical Invermectin (although sometimes a vet may give an injection instead) but this should never be purchased for home use. It is very strong and can be toxic to hamsters. It needs a proper diagnosis to ensure it actually is mites (this needs a skin scraping by the vet, to be examined under microscope) as there are other things that can cause hair loss and skin soreness (including allergy). Invermectin should only be used if prescribed by the vet and in the correctly prescribed dosage.
To see the article, click on "Go to download" top right
