Why is my dwarf hamster itching, losing weight, and escaping his cage?

Question

My Russian dwarf hamster constantly is scratching and itching himself. I tried to see if he had mites but it doesn't look like it he's also getting a lot thinner than he used to be and he keeps trying to escape his cage. I thought you wanted to play so I put him in his playpen but he keeps trying to escape that too. Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male

Eryn Taormina, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi there! So very sorry to hear about Jasper! I certainly think you're on the right track thinking about mites. This diagnosis however should be confirmed or ruled out by your veterinarian who can scrape the skin for mites and identify them under the microscope. The itchiness from the mites can cause stress and weight loss. Other causes of itchy skin can be sensitivity to any new products in the environment that may be causing itch and irritation. Also, hamsters can develop Cushing's disease, which effects the adrenal glands - tiny glands around the kidneys that control hormone levels. These hormone levels can become disrupted in this disease process and cause thinning skin and weight loss. Either way, I'd bring your little guy in to see his veterinarian, so he can have an exam and some testing done. One of the mites we can see on pets is called a scabies mite, and those are contagious to humans. Therefore I'd have him seen as soon as you can!

Why is my dwarf hamster itching, losing weight, and escaping his cage?

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