Mites?

[BiffyTheHamster]

Hi!
Biffy has been itching an awful lot in the past few days or so, so I ordered mite treatment for him just incase.
However, todays really worried me as he has a small patch of hair loss all of a sudden, and is non stop itching and looks really really distressed by it (like he’s jumping around in the pen and rubbing against everything). He’s still curious and eating well.
Since the treatment won’t come for a few days, I’m definitely going to get some treatment asap tomorrow morning.
I’ve read that I have to do a full clear out of his enclosure? I honestly am just very worried and wanted to know whether he will be okay tonight with how stressed he seems.
Thanks so much )))

 

[Maz]

Hi. I would take him to the vet. They will prescribe the correct mite medication or sometimes they just give an injection instead. I believe just buying "spot on" online isn't always that safe a thing to do. Firstly it might not be mites. The medication itself can be toxic to hamsters if the dose isn't correct.

 

[BiffyTheHamster]

Hi. I would take him to the vet. They will prescribe the correct mite medication or sometimes they just give an injection instead. I believe just buying "spot on" online isn't always that safe a thing to do. Firstly it might not be mites. The medication itself can be toxic to hamsters if the dose isn't correct.

Hi!
Sorry for not replying, I did take him to the vets and they didn’t do much of a check and just gave him drops. I’ve cleared out and redone his enclosure, but he is still itching a little bit.
I’m a bit worried that the vet didn’t do the correct dosage as she didn’t even ask to weigh him, I had to ask her do you want to know his weight

Thanks,
Amelie

 

[Maz]

Was it one or two drops then repeat in a week or two? I think she probably just gauged he was within a particular weight range, but I agree it would have been better to weigh him. Do you know his weight?

What bedding/substrate are you using? Also assume there is nothing scented in his cage?

 

[BiffyTheHamster]

Was it one or two drops then repeat in a week or two? I think she probably just gauged he was within a particular weight range, but I agree it would have been better to weigh him. Do you know his weight?

What bedding/substrate are you using? Also assume there is nothing scented in his cage?

Omg I’m so sorry about my replies- the notifications don’t come through so I only realise once I’m on the forum. I think it was two drops. He doesn’t seem to itch so much in his enclosure or when he’s climbing over me, but in the pen it’s wild. I really don’t think it’s anxiety though as I make sure that he has access to his enclosure at all time, so it’s usually his choice if he’s in the pen (unless it’s being cleaned).
I think I will have to keep an eye on it and monitor, if it’s no better soon then I will take him back to the vets.
Thanks so much

 

[Maz]

It could just be normal grooming and scent marking when he's in the playpen

I'm sorry notifications aren't coming through. I can check your account, but maybe you can check your privacy settings as well?