She has a wheel that has a bar in the middle and when she runs her back rubs against it. A big scab has developed and the fur has gone from that patch, she is only 1 year old, will she be alright?
Yes But change the wheel. Mine had the same problem. Use this wheel instead. It has a tiny nub instead of a bar, so if doesn't hit their backs. Had this for about a year and I highly recommend it for large hamsters .
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.js ... Here's a picture to show how short the nub is ... Even though that's a Gerbil in it: D
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http ...
Your hamster probably will be okay as long as you change her wheel, you can get free standing ones with no bar in the middle or consider buying a UFO style wheel, they lie flat on the ground and there is no bar whatsoever.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Or maybe even buy a bigger wheel? This would be so her back wouldn't touch the middle of the wheel at all.
I hope this helps.
