Obese hamsters can develop an exudative dermatitis with hair loss and skin thickening of the internal surfaces of the anterior limbs, axillae and part of the thorax; excoriation and crusting may be observed subsequently (Fig. 1).
These lesions can be considered a dermatitis of skin folds caused by skin rubbing as a consequence of the obesity. The diagnosis is based on visual examination; a secondary bacterial infection should, however, be considered. The condition can be relieved by using chlorhexidine-based topical solutions, but the problem can only be resolved if the hamster loses weight and, thereby, its skin folds.