What Are the Treatments for Demodectic Mange in Hamsters?

Demodex mites cause demodicosis or demodectic mange in hamsters. All hamsters carry some demodex mites, even healthy ones. The mites do not bother the hamster until it is sick or suffering from complications from old age. In these cases, the mites breed far more than usual. Symptoms of demodicosis in hamsters include scratching more than usual, hair loss and scabby, peeling skin. The hamster may scratch so much that it will break the skin open.

  1. Ivermectin

    • This is a popular antiparasitic medication that works on a variety of pets, including hamsters. Because there are many causes of itchy skin and baldness in hamsters, take the hamster to the vet to get a skin scraping to confirm a positive diagnosis of demodex mange. The vet will decide on the dose, which is given by mouth in a liquid medication. An average dose would be 200 MCG (microkiligram) per kilogram that the hamster weighs. This dosage may have to be repeated in 10 to 14 days at the vet's discretion.

    Dip

    • For heavy infestations, the veterinarian may advise a dip of the medication coumaphos instead of oral medication. The strength should be 0.017 percent. Like oral ivermectin, dips may need to be repeated every 10 to 14 days. The British Hamster Association notes that dips are sometimes less effective than ivermectin oral medication or even ivermectin injections. In a dip, the hamster's body, excluding the head, is briefly immersed in the solution.

    Other Tips

    • If the hamster has another underlying illness that is affecting its immune system, the mange will keep coming back. Unless the primary illness is treated, the demodectic mange will return. Mites may drop off of a hamster treated with medication or a dip, but stay in the bedding until the medication wears off. Sterilizing the cage will help to reduce reinfestation. Mites are contagious. Wash your hands before touching another pet or person after handling an infected hamster.