Visible scent glands

So I've noticed two bald spots on Dorian...the first one I noticed 2 days ago on his right hip, then again today on his left hip. The spots are both dry, and look a little darker in color (more purple than pink) compared to the surrounding skin. I had a moment of worry thinking he might have mange, possibly demodex, but he shows no signs of itching, anorexia or fatigue; I've checked him all over for other sores or the appearance of parasites, especially around his ears (again, nothing found). He also doesn't seem to mind at all when I'm touching/rubbing the spot, so it certainly isn't painful for him. None of my hamsters before have had visible scent glands, so it took me a bit to realize this is what it might be. I've attached a few pictures I took today (sorry for the quality, I think we all know how hard it is to catch our little critters on film ), and I would really appreciate if you guys could check it out and see if it looks like scent glands.

note: I pushed the fur around the spots off to the sides so the skin was more visible; when his fur is down normally, it is nowhere near as noticeable. Also, I used a light that has a slightly blue color in the close-up images.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn15 ... G_2684.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn15 ... G_2682.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn15 ... G_2690.jpg
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn15 ... G_2685.jpg

[Bailey]

They just look like normal scent glands to me - don't worry! Scent glands are a lot more obvious on some hamsters than others.


Marley (R.I.P)

awesome, thanks! I'm just way too paranoid...probably doesn't help that I've been spending the last two weeks learning all about autoimmune diseases and cancers, my brain is stuck in diagnosis mode

[bunsey]

i wouldn't worry, like Bailey says, some have really prominent glands. here's a pic of Colin's:

http://harveyhams.weebly.com/uploads/2/ ... pg?248x143