Just like any other small pet, hamsters are susceptible to a number of health conditions. Due to their small size, illness in a hamster can be a fairly serious occurrence. To help care for your hamster during an illness, it’s important to be familiar with some of the most common health conditions that appear in pet hamsters.
WET TAIL
This health condition is caused by a bacterial organism that infiltrates a hamster’s digestive system. In this illness, the most common symptom will be a “wet” appearance of the fur around a hamster’s tail, which is where this condition gets its name. A hamster with wet tail has a low chance of survival, since they often become extremely dehydrated by the constant diarrhea associated with wet tail. Hydration is essential for hamsters with wet tail, and there are also many wet tail supplements available at pet care supply stores.
EAR INFECTION
If your hamster develops an ear infection, the best treatment usually involves the direct administration of antibiotics. However, as with most other illnesses that affect hamsters, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before beginning treatment.
RINGWORM
Ringworm is extremely contagious, especially if you have several hamsters housed in the same cage. Quarantine any hamsters infected with ringworm as soon as possible, and watch for signs of infection in your other hamsters. The main symptom is a circular “ring” of missing fur which will be easily visible. To treat ringworm, it’s best if you consult your veterinarian.
ABSCESSES
To treat an abscess, antibiotics are usually very effective. An abscess is caused when a wound becomes infected, and is sealed without proper drainage of the infected material. Do not attempt to drain an abscess on your hamster by yourself! This may result in further infection, as well as extreme discomfort for your hamster.
CONSTIPATION
Just like humans, hamsters can also suffer from constipation. The most common cause of constipation in hamsters is dehydration, in combination with a dry pellet diet. To help cure constipation, be sure that your hamster has a constant supply of fresh water. In addition to this, you can feed your hamster fresh fruits and vegetables with a high moisture and fiber content, which may help cure constipation.
MANGE
Though mange is usually not very common in hamsters, it still may occur in hamsters that have been taken from unclean living conditions. Mange is caused by a mite that usually lives in a hamster’s bedding material. If you hamster comes down with mange, put them in quarantine immediately.
6 Responses to “Hamster Illness”
We have 2 robo hammies both female 1 looks to have lost weight and is pulling her fur out from her back and it’s bleeding then she’s getting distressed when the other comes over to see if she’s ok then she’s attacking the hamster that’s checking her and squealing alot what is wrong with her? She’s eating and drinking ok and she is able to move ok but she’s just staying in the tunnel I can’t help feeling that she’s dying and I’m not sure what to do? Help please….
My hamster elmo is acting normal but he is peeing this dark pee and his tummy is getting wet but his tail isnt i have been wiping his tummy with a wash cloth and drying it … He has been eating and drinking in fact he sleeps by his water every night i have been staying up all night watching him sleep and ever once in a while he will get a drink, eat and off to bed again would this be concidered wet tail if his tummy is wet becaise of pee but not the tail , should i ve concerned
I had a dwarf hamster with the exact same symptoms and unfrtunatey she passed away without ever finding a cause. I would consult a vet immediately that specializes in small “exotic” animals. They may prescribe an injection for mites as well as antibiotics for any subsequent infection. Hope this helps.
my panda bear hamster has this wet look on hm but it not just on his tail but all over his body. Under on his belly his fur is yellow where it looks as if he i=has been peeing on himself and he has scabs on his skin and now no fur will grow in tht area. please help!
my hamster has had the same thing take a warm rag with baby soap and rub him down make sure his eyes arent glued shut do this twice a day in the morning and at night make sure he is dry so he dont get cold my hamster has died from it but your might pull through
Get your hamster to the vet asap for expert advice!
Do not ignore the signs, your hamster is in need and you must help him.
It may be a week bladder, but i am completely guessing but please please get your hamster checked out.