Hamsters

Coat and skin The coat should be clean and not greasy, with no bald spots. Check the skin for dry scaly patches, wounds, lumps, or swellings. There should be none. Lumps and swellings may mean the hamster has an abscess which will need veterinary treatment. Hamster skin is loose fitting, rather like it is wearing a coat that is a

size too big. If you gently pinch it, it should quickly go back into shape. If, however, it stays erect then it is a sign that the hamster is dehydrated. Eyes Look for bright, clear eyes, with no dry discharge or weeping. These signs indicate that the hamster may have conjunctivitis or something in its eye. Cloudy eyes also indicate that there may be an infection. Ears There should be no sign of

damage on the outer ear, and the ears should be clean with no discharge or waxy build-up.

Hamsters

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