12 replies to this topic

[Peach123]

So my hamster has mites, he’s four months old. Theyve come about very fast and infested him, I can see all the big red dots on him. I’ve brought him to the vet this morning and they game him a spot on treatment to be given weekly by them, and I’m returning later for a check up as he’s turned very lethargic. He’s not really moving, walking or interested in anything. He’s actually trying to sleep in his water, it’s a hot day today but I can’t imagine him intentionally trying to sleep in his water. I’m pretty worried so any advice or experience with a serious mites infestation? Is it common for them to be lethargic or is this cause for concern? Just trying to put my mind at ease as I’m in work right now worrying.

[Kikya]

So my hamster has mites, he’s four months old. Theyve come about very fast and infested him, I can see all the big red dots on him. I’ve brought him to the vet this morning and they game him a spot on treatment to be given weekly by them, and I’m returning later for a check up as he’s turned very lethargic. He’s not really moving, walking or interested in anything. He’s actually trying to sleep in his water, it’s a hot day today but I can’t imagine him intentionally trying to sleep in his water. I’m pretty worried so any advice or experience with a serious mites infestation? Is it common for them to be lethargic or is this cause for concern? Just trying to put my mind at ease as I’m in work right now worrying.

Is he warm to the touch? or does his body feel cooler than it should?

 

Have you checked to see if he's dehydrated? Basically pull up a bit of skin on the back of the neck and see if it snaps back or goes down slowly.

 

If it goes down slowly, he's probably dehydrated.

 

When did he start being lethargic? Was it right after the medicine? What kind of medicine is he on?

[Peach123]

Since the medicine he’s been a lot more lethargic but it started more yesterday. He’s not really drinking or eating anymore either, he was before the medicine. He was given Xeno, and I’ve put watermelon in with him hoping he could lick that because he was getting into his bowl. I’ll check his skin when im back off my lunch. He’s still pretty warm just very loose and floppy when he’s usually sprinting around when held. He actually put his head on my finger to lay down which he never usually would

[Sparrow]

Him being lethargic could be the result of the heatwave we are currently going through here in Ireland. With temperatures as high as 34°C it is VERY easy for animals to get dehydrated and overheat, the humidity is not exactly helping...

As for the mites, clean everything in the cage thoroughly and again when the vet confirms that the mites are gone. The spot on should get rid of them quite easily.

[Peach123]

Hey fellow Irish person !!
He’s not dehydrated, checked and his skin flew straight back into place. Enclosure was cleaned out last night, took a couple hours and two people but I’m confident it’s mite free. I can’t find any pictures online that compare to the mites he has, I can see all of them crawling on him bright red. The vet took pictures they were that bad.

[Kikya]

Since the medicine he’s been a lot more lethargic but it started more yesterday. He’s not really drinking or eating anymore either, he was before the medicine. He was given Xeno, and I’ve put watermelon in with him hoping he could lick that because he was getting into his bowl. I’ll check his skin when im back off my lunch. He’s still pretty warm just very loose and floppy when he’s usually sprinting around when held. He actually put his head on my finger to lay down which he never usually would

Ok so he was given ivermectin. They do have to be very careful as too large of a dose can be toxic. I wouldn't give him another dose until you talk to the vet about the symptoms. I have read about some hamsters getting too much and dying from the various topical flea and mite mediciations out there. They are basically pesticides.

 

If it were me, I would get some food grade diatomaceous earth, take a dab of it on a qtip, put some on the back of his neck. Keep the bag or bottle away from him, you don't want him breathing it in but it's safe to dab a bit on the skin, you don't need much. and don't blow on it or do anything that causes it to "puff" into the air. The bugs will walk over it and die.

 

I'm glad he's not dehydrated but I think it might be a good idea to get him some Critical Care or Emeraid, or whatever the european equivalent is or prepare a electrolyte solution for him. If he's had too much medicine, this could help balance out his system.

Edited by Kikya, 12 August 2022 - 10:01 PM.

[Peach123]

Hey fellow Irish person !!
He’s not dehydrated, checked and his skin flew straight back into place. Enclosure was cleaned out last night, took a couple hours and two people but I’m confident it’s mite free. I can’t find any pictures online that compare to the mites he has, I can see all of them crawling on him bright red. The vet took pictures they were that bad.

[Peach123]

Hi everyone, update from the vet.
He’s still very lethargic and now he can’t walk properly, ends up falling and wobbling. The vets aren’t sure what’s going on so if he’s not better by tomorrow he’s to go back in. Really sad to see him deteriorate so suddenly, hes only four months old.

[Kikya]

Hi everyone, update from the vet.
He’s still very lethargic and now he can’t walk properly, ends up falling and wobbling. The vets aren’t sure what’s going on so if he’s not better by tomorrow he’s to go back in. Really sad to see him deteriorate so suddenly, hes only four months old.

Are you able to get any electrolyte fluids in him? If he was poisoned by the mite treatment, it might help.

Edited by Kikya, 13 August 2022 - 04:20 AM.

[Peach123]

Im trying but hes gone completely limp. I think he’s on his way out unfortunately, messaging the vet and he says It doesn’t look good either.

[Kikya]

Im trying but hes gone completely limp. I think he’s on his way out unfortunately, messaging the vet and he says It doesn’t look good either.

I'm so sorry, the best thing to do right now would be just hold him and keep him warm.

[Peach123]

Rip cowboy!

[Kikya]

Rip cowboy!

I'm very sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, little hammy.