The condition known as “wet tail” is one of the most dreaded conditions that can occur in a pet hamster. Many hamsters die from this condition, sometimes in as little as 48 hours after it becomes noticeable. However, there are many misconceptions about wet tail in hamsters that may be confusing. Some people think that the term “wet tail” can be used to describe any instance in which a hamster has diarrhea. In reality, the cause of wet tail is specific to this condition.
CAUSE
The main cause of wet tail is a bacteria known as Lawsonia intracellularis. This bacteria affects many different animals, including horses, pigs, ferrets, horses, primates and other animals. It infects an animal’s intestines by invading the epithelial cells in the intestines. This then leads to the progressive pathogenesis of the disease. As of right now, this bacteria is not known as being able to be transmitted to humans.
SYMPTOMS
The most common and noticeable symptom of wet tail is diarrhea. In wet tail, a hamster’s stools will be loose, watery and thin. This also promotes the “wet” appearance of the tail, as constant diarrhea forms a matted, dirty and wet area around a hamster’s tail. Other symptoms include extreme lethargy, loss of appetite, irritability and lack of grooming. Due to the extreme dehydration that occurs with the constant diarrhea, a hamster’s eyes may appear sunken and dull.
TREATMENT
The most effective treatment for wet tail in hamsters includes administration of antibiotics, as well as subcutaneous fluids. Anti-diarrhea medication may also be used in extreme cases. The treatment may or may not be effective, as the majority of hamsters with wet tail die soon after contracting this disease.
PREVENTION
The most effective way to prevent wet tail in hamsters is to keep their cage clean. A clean cage is not as susceptible to bacteria, and can also promote good health in a hamster. As some people cite that wet tail can be caused by stress, avoid excessive handling of your hamster for the first 1 – 2 days after you bring them into your home (or transfer them to a new cage). Never purchase a hamster that has been exposed to other hamsters with wet tail, since they may also contract this disease. Before purchasing from a pet store, be sure to ask if any of the hamsters in their facility have had wet tail recently.
11 Responses to “Hamster Wet Tail”
Feeding your Hamster Yeast Tablets would help your Hamster Reduce Stress. Plus they are a tasty Treat for them too! Try feeding them to your Hamster about once a week.
Another thing to help with Wet Tail is to go to the Dollor Store or Something, to buy small Sponge’s. If you cannot find them, you can buy Regular Sponge’s, and cut them up to the size of your Thumb. Every two day’s
use them to clean through the Bar’s of the cage (Soak the Sponge’s in warm water! Do not put any warmful subsence on the Sponge!)
Also you can use the sponge to wipe the water bottle Spout Lightly, to reduce Bacteria.
Remember! Wash the Sponge when done useing it!
Every Two-Three day’s Remember to pick up your Hamster’s “feices” with a small Plastic Bag, and change Bedding every week.
I have a teddie bear hamster named joe.
I kept him in a small cage for the longest time but then about a month ago I switched him to a large aquarium.
I did not clean the aquarium enough and now I believe he has wet tail,its shaking,its stomach is very large, and it does not want to move much.
Do not use the Aquarium. It lack’s Air circulaition. Go to a Pet Store and please buy a Hamster cage for your Hamster instead.
Try feeding it crushed Yeast Tablet’s, and it may seem strange but Crushed Small Cat treat’s will give your Hamster Vitamin D, and Vitamin C.
If that doesn’t help at all, take him to a Vet as soon as you can.
I got a Syrian Long Hair Hammy 2 months ago.
Light Cream with white patches, it is a Girl baby.
Was fine until yesterday.
Feeded her in the morning with carrots.
Came back from work, I found her tail completely wet and 80% dead. hardly breathing.
I was so upset and was wondering what went wrong.
using a cage, il clean it once a week and keep its house clean.
No Clue y this has happened. I am Lost.
planning to get a new hammy this week, Kindly advise me how do i select one and take care of it.
And also planning to keep that in Glass Aquarium.
PLease advise
Do not keep your syrian in an aquarium, it had poor ventilation. These cages are reccommended for smaller hamsters tho, like dwarf ones or robos. Get a wired cage as this has good air ventilation…
Hi, I have a 1 year old female hamster. She got wet tail
. I went to the vets and they told me to give her antibiotics for 10 days. She got better, but then it got worse(after the 10 days) I can’t go to the vets because i don’t have anymore money, but there is still some antibiotic left in the bottle. I started giving it to her, but nothing has changed since then. I clean her cage 2-3 times a week now, but nothing works. Please help me!!!
Clean the cage everyday during the medication x
thank u again!
ijust got a dwarf hampster!
i keep the cage very well clean at all times to prevent wet tail for a hamster the size of my palm… thx again!
bye!
Hello, I was interested in purchasing 2 “black bear” hamsters today, but sadly I couldn’t because they both had wet-tail.
I really was looking forward to buying them, but after reading the harmfull-ness of the wet tail, I need a second opinion on whether or not I should still buy them….
If they get better would it be a good idea to buy them, or would it be better to buy non-sick hamsters?
thanks, bye for now
Well, if i were you, don’t get them even if they get better, because its still in there history and could get it again, If you live in the uk go to pets and plants, they have an adorble black bear hamster with this little pink nose, but i got a cream one, I hope this helped x
I would be tempted as it can be cured and they will have a better end to their life if it is too late instead of being in a pet shop its whole life..