Fungal Infection in Hamsters
Despite its name, worms do not cause ringworm infection. Ringworm infection occurs when a hamster's skin becomes infected with a fungus. The most common ringworm-causing fungi are Tricophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum species.
The ringworm infection in hamsters is characterized by bald patches, which commonly occur starting from the head. In the face the patches appear around the eyes, nose, and ears. The ringworm infection may also spread to the back. If treated promptly, however, the infections will clear up. Nevertheless, use utmost caution when handling a hamster suspected of being infected, as ringworm is highly contagious to humans and other animals.
Symptoms
Although some hamsters with ringworm infection usually do not exhibit any external symptoms, the primary sign of the disease is bald patches. Generally, crusty, flaky and/or red lesions form within these bald patches. These lesions may become infected and inflamed and pus-filled. Your hamster may even begin to itch and scratch more than usual. When handling the animal, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Both types of fungi are typically transmitted from infected hamsters or via contaminated objects such as bedding material. Humans can even transmit the disease to their pet hamsters.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian can tell if your hamster is infected with ringworm infection by looking at the red patches on its skin, by shining a special ultraviolet light on its skin, or by conducting various laboratory tests on hair samples taken from the affected area.
Treatment
Before actually treating the hamster, a veterinarian will likely to shave and clean the affected area so that the antifungal medication applied, such as for example griseofulyin, is effectively absorbed. In addition, iodine-rich scrubs and antifungal ointments may be applied directly to the affected areas. To further improve the hamster's condition, a veterinarian may suggest the use of vitamin and mineral supplements.
Living and Management
The recovering hamster should be placed in a separate cage.
Cause
Most cases of ringworm are caused by the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes, though Microsporum fungi can also cause infection in hamsters.
Prevention
Cleaning and sanitizing the cages regularly, as well as providing a stress-free environment for your hаmѕtеr, can help reduce the incidences of ringworm infection.