Dermatophytosis is relatively rare in hamsters; the most common aetiological agent is Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The lesions consist of alopecia and crusts, (Fig. 1) although there are also asymptomatic carriers. The diagnosis is based on microscopic observation of the infected skin and culture of the fungus responsible. (Fig. 2). The treatment is oral itraconazole and local disinfection with enilconazole until clinical healing or until the cultures become negative.
