Cases of both primary and secondary hyperadrenocorticism have been described in the Golden hamster. The former are due to primary tumours (particularly adenomas) of the adrenal glands whereas the latter are caused by hormone-secreting tumours of the pituitary gland. Affected hamsters have polyuria/polydipsia, polyphagia, symmetrical alopecia of the flanks and lateral surfaces of the thighs, thin skin and comedones. Widespread mange is often present.
The diagnosis is suspected on the basis of the clinical signs; laboratory confirmation is not easy because of the difficulties in taking blood samples and the limited amount of blood that can be withdrawn (1% of the body weight).
Other causes of alopecia
Another form of alopecia may be related to administration of a low protein diet (only mixtures of seeds). The diagnosis is based on the dietary history and exclusion of other disorders. The fact that the condition regresses when the hamster is given supplementary animal proteins in the diet also supports the diagnosis. In elderly animals, alopecia may be secondary to concomitant disorders such as renal failure or amyloidosis, for which there is no treatment. The diagnosis is mainly one of exclusion also in these cases. A congenital form of alopecia has been described: this can be diagnosed from histological examination of the skin.