Hamster Information in Bits
Hamster Bits
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There are many common hamster illnesses and diseases that can affect your hamster. This section is meant to be used for informational purposes only, if your hamster is visibly sick or ill, please take him/ her to your lockal vet. Hamster are small creatures and can get sick very quickly, and as with most animals the quicker you catch it, the better the chance of your hamster surviving.
Illnesses and Diseases
Wet Tail
Wet tail is a bacterial infection of the stomach resulting in diarrhoea. The droppings are pale, very soft and may or may not contain mucus. It is called wet tail because visually the hamster will look like its tail is dirty and 'wet'. Other symptoms may include the hamster feeling lethargic. They may also be humped up and look like they are in pain. If your hamster has wet tail, your hamster can become dehidrated very quickly. It is very important that at the first signs, veterinary treatment is taken immediately. Wet often occurs in hamsters that are stressed, which is why it is often seen in newly weaned hamsters and many owners who have just brought a new hamster into their home. After treating your hamster for wet tail, be sure to take any equipment, toys and accessories, to be disenfected. They will become usable again in a few weeks.
Salmonellosis
This is the same organism that can and will affect humans. Hamsters acquire this illness the same way a human does, by eating food contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria. Therefore, it is suggested to practice common hygiene, washing your hands after playing with your hamsters, cleaning their cage, etc. The problem with Salmonellosis is that your hamster can have it without howing any signs or symptoms. Hamsters with this illness can suffer from sudden death, or they can suffer through wieght loss and failure to thrive.
Tapeworms
This disease is quite common is hamsters. They will not have many symptoms. Owners will usually find out when they find worm segments in the hamsters droppings or on the anus. Large infestations can cause weighy loss, but it is rare. They have been occasions where owners can also aquire tapeworms. This is mostly due to lack of hygiene. (not washing hands) Take your hamster to the vet and he will quickly solve your hamsters tapeworm infestation.
Mange
If your hamster starts to lose hair, then it could possibly have mange. Mange is not a serious problem in most hamsters. Mange could be and often is associated with another underlying disease.
Fleas and Lice
This is common in hamsters when there are other pets in the household. (Cats or Dogs) You will need to see your vet about controlling your fleas. You will need to control the fleas on all of your animals, not jsut the hamster.
Lumps or Bumps
You may notice a lump or bump on your hamster. Often times most of these lumps or bumps is abscesses. Abscesses can be caused by your hamsters getting bit by another hamster or sometimes your hamsters cheek pouches can be punctured by food or bedding materials and cause an abscess. If you suspect an abscess on your hamster take them to the vet to have it drained. Sometimes these lumps/bumps are found to be cancer.
Musculoskelatal and Joint Problems
Hamsters can from what is called cage paralysis. This results from the lack of exercise and a small cage is more often the problem. Provide a wheel for them to run on. Provide the largest cage you can afford. Syrians typically require the equivalent size of a 20 gallon tank. Dwarfs can manage in a smaller area, but they still need their space. Sometimes a lack of Vitamin E and D can contribute to weakness and paralysis. Some syrians have a hereditary defect which often starts paralysis at one of his/her hind legs, and progresses from there. There is no cure for it.
Hamster Illness and Disease
