Hi all
I've been away for a week, leaving my parents to look after the hamster, and have come back to find her chubby (she's very spoiled by them, god knows what it'll be like when I have real human children!), and with some bald patches. Before I left there was a small one on her nose as she chews the bars of her cage and forces her nose through the gaps, which explains that, but she now has matching bald spots on her haunches. She hasn't been acting strangely, eating well etc., I'm just a bit concerned. Is a trip to the vet in order? She is about 9 months old.
Thankyou!

I'm no hamster expert at all but I am wondering if she has got mites, if so it will be a vet trip I'm afraid, I'm sure that someone who knows better will soon be along to help.

hello
the bald spots on her haunches are they patches or as you say two round spots? if spots these are most likely her scent glands (if she is a syrian hamster) they have one on each hip
the bar rub on her nose might need watching to make sure it doesnt get sore and that her teeth arent being damaged by it but quite afew do it....have you tried a few toys for her or something else to gnaw on? hope that helps

Thanks for your replies.
It's one patch on each hip, I think about the size and shape of the last knuckle of my little finger (sorry thats the best way I can think of to describe it!). So I guess that rules out scent glands and I'm in for a trip to the vet!
There is so much for her to do in her cage, she's probably more spoiled than any human child but I think she just loves to chew the bars!
Neither her haunches or her nose seem to be bothering her though, so will keep an eye on her and if she doesn't re-hair then I'll get her checked.
Thanks again

Where are you unistudent? I've got some ivermectin but I'm in Doncaster, it'd save you a vet trip if it is mites

If there is a patch on each hip then it probably is the scent glands, sometimes if you look at the skin underneath it can look a bit darker (you may also notice a slight lady smell!) - I will have a look on the net and see if I can find a pic for you to look at

one patch on each hip yup thats defo scent glands they vary in size but they match the description perfectly

some pics
http://hamster.etla.org/web/hipspot.jpg
http://hamsterhideout.com/forum/uploads/post-3-1084203003.jpg

Thanks everyone, the skin underneath is normal and she doesn't smell, but I'll have a rummage around on the net for some more info!
Thanks for that offer Peaches, I'm in essex at the moment though so a bit far to go!Thanks for your help

Just to give you all an update........
we have been to the vets and it is mites (she started to get really scratchy and the patches were spreading), so i've got some drops to give her. Originally she was going to have 4 injections 10 days apart but the vet just dropped the stuff onto her instead...........then suggested i come back three more times to have them do that! The things they do to get more money off you........I've got the drops now so can do it myself at home and hopefully she'll be all better soon :)

That is stress when rodants are stressed they loose fur and hair. They then get the runs which can lead to death! Most of the time they do not grow back the fur. And usually need medical cream to clean and moisturise there skin ie sudacream

i have a golden hamster and i have just noteced that she has 3 black dots on her sides and were she pees and poohs are those her sweat glands?

yeah two black dots on her sides are scent glands and were she pees and poos may be dark too it is in some colours of syrians