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The hamster that we are caring for is beginning to look ...

Sent to Pet Experts May 11 11:42 PM

The hamster that we are caring for is beginning to look sick. The coat today looks wet and ruffled, and the ears were drooping down tonight. It is acting okay but just looks kind of bad

 

Optional Information:
Age: 1; Breed: hampster

Already Tried:
water, change bedding,

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Info Request
May 11 11:52 PM (9 minutes and 34 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
Can you tell where the wetness is coming from?

How long are you taking care of the hamster?

Do you know how old he is?
Picture
Courtney Carroll, DVM -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 50 Pet Accepts
Small Animal Veterinarian, Owner-- Beach Veterinary Hospial, Redington Shores, FL
Reply
May 12 12:01 AM (9 minutes and 10 seconds later)
         
Reply to Courtney Carroll, DVM's Post: It looks wet on the ends of its fur. The wetness look started yesterday on the head and now its over the body. We have been babysitting the hamster for two days. It almost looks like oily fur. My daughter gave it a piece of cheese a few days ago could this be an alergic reaction. The owner said she gives it cheese sometimes. Also, it has been very hot these last two days.

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on May 12 2006 at 12:20 AM
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 12 12:46 AM (45 minutes and 5 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
It's most likely some sort of skin infection with either bacteria or mites (microscoptic). Either way, you will need to take him to a vet that regularly sees hamsters becase he will need perscriptions to get rid of either of these conditions.
Picture
Courtney Carroll, DVM -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 50 Pet Accepts
Small Animal Veterinarian, Owner-- Beach Veterinary Hospial, Redington Shores, FL
Reply
May 12 11:40 AM (10 hours and 54 minutes and 16 seconds later)
         
Reply to Courtney Carroll, DVM's Post: The hamster is looking much better this morning. I gave it canolope and pear last night. Is this okay for it to eat? Could this fur condition come from lack of water?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 12 2:56 PM (3 hours and 16 minutes and 14 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Those fruits are fine for him to eat--but dehydration shouldn't make his fur look funny, although it could make him appear droopy.

Keep me updated
Picture
Courtney Carroll, DVM -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 50 Pet Accepts
Small Animal Veterinarian, Owner-- Beach Veterinary Hospial, Redington Shores, FL
Reply
May 13 12:55 AM (9 hours and 58 minutes and 42 seconds later)
         
Relist: I want a different opinion.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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