4027. A dwarf hamster scratches her ears and bites her body frequently. Why?

A very itchy dwarf hamster scratches her eyes and bites her body.. What to do?

16 Apr 2022.

In Dec 2021, I treated this hamster for the itchy body and ear. I had her shaved bald. The owner had no complaints. Hence, I was shocked to see the hamster so itchy and had dandruff on her ears today. Her back was soiled as she stopped grooming herself now. Hence the smell of urine. I had her clipped bald under anaesthesia and ears were irrigated to get the dirt and sand out of the canals. An anti-mite drop on her back of neck skin and medication to relieve itch and skin infections. Owner to look into home environment and hygiene too. I will wait and see for next 2 weeks. 

What were the causes?

1. Management. Hygiene of living environment. Pee anywhere.

2. Ear infections

3. Ear foreign bodies - sand from sand bath trapped inside the ear canals. 

4. Allergies?

5. Mite infections of skin and ears?   

UPDATES AT: (THIS WEBPAGE)

https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2022/04/4027-dwarf-hamster-scratches-her-ears.html