Illness and Disease

 

Hamsters have delicate systems that can easily develop illnesses, yet this is avoidable in many different ways. To avoid illness and disease, keep your cage clean, give a healthy and balanced diet, disinfect once a month, and give your hamster the least stressfeul life you can. 

 

The Common cold:

Hamsters can catch human colds, so when you are not feeling well it is important to stay away from your hamster, or let someone else temporairly care for it. I have never had a hamster that has gotten a cold from anyone. So if you keep your hamster healthy, they will have a strong immune system and easily fight off illness. Hamsters are very good at disguising their weaknesses. So if your hamster is sick he/she will show these symptoms: runny/wet nose, cloudy eyes, sneezing, hunched over, not eating or drinking, and sleeping more than usual. If you notice your hamster showing any signs of a cold, put a heating pad, or some source of heat near your hamster's cage, (it is very important to keep your hamster warm, but make sure they don't overheat). Disinfect the cage, food dish, water bottle, and all the toys, add clean bedding (more than usual, so your hamster has more to burrow in). Now, to give your hamster's immune system a little boost, create a mixture of lukewarm milk, and a small amount of honey (not too much honey, because the high sugar level can upset their stomach). Put mixture in a syringe or eye dropper and give to your hamster. Your hamster will most likely enjoy the taste. However some hamsters might not, if this is the case you must force feed. Give your hamster a little bit every day, for a couple of days (four at the max).  If you do not see any improvement, call a vet and ask for advice, or take your hamster to the vet's office and your hamster will be better in no time. Note: If you don't act fast the cold will turn to bronchitis or pneumonia. Then you will have to take your hamster to the vet immediately. 

 

Wet tail:

Wet Tail is a severe illess caused by stress and an unsanitary environment. An unsanitary enironment causes bacterial attack of a hamster's gastro-intestinal tract due to a lowered immunity system. Wet tail is most likely to affect young Syrians, who have been brought to a new home. If your hamster is showing signs of wet tail he/she will have a wet, filthy and brown bum, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, matted fur, sleeping more than usual, and nearly no activity. If your hamster shows any of these symptoms, then do not hesitate. Take your hamster to the vet IMMEDIATELY. Pet stores sell "Wet tail medication" but this does not get rid of the illness, but only hides the symptoms. Do not purchase this, it is not a remedy, as it claims to be. When people see their hamster with runny eyes, or diarrhea it is only natural that we assume the worst, I find myself worrying about the smallest things. Sometimes it is not wet tail but perhaps a cold or another illness not as severe, always make sure you know eactly what your hamster has before treating it. If you are confused, or not sure, call a vet. Or ask a question on the hamster hideout forum (we are always there to help). You are not alone, there are so many wonderful people that are always willing to help. Remember, if you have any questions feel free to ask, I care about you and your pets and I would love to help. 

 

Diarrhea:

Diarrhea can be caused by many different factors, mainly an upset stomach, but also uncleanliness (unsanitary cage, bacteria build-up), and too many fruits and veggies with high water content. Stress can also play a part in diarrhea. When your hamster has diarrhea, it is important to keep your hamster hydrated. One way to tell is by pinching the skin on your hamster's upper back or its nape and letting go, if the skin goes right back into place, your hamster is hydrated. If the skin stays pinched, and doesn't go back into place, your hamster is dehydrated. While your hamster has diarrhea avoid feeding your hamster fresh fruits and veggies, only feed dry food. If this does not go away within 48 hours (at the very most) take your hamster to the vet. 

 

 

Diabetes:

strange behavior and unnecessary weight loss in later stages, legarthic breathing. Important: Use diabetes test strips to test for glucose levels in the urine; a high glucose level would indicate a likelihood of diabetes. If the test is positive, you must avoid simple carbohydrates such as pastas, white rice & many wheat products, and replacing these with complex carbohydrates such as broccoli, and more protein. Some good options are millet and scrambled egg. If your hamster is diabetic, you must eliminate ALL fruits. Fruit is very high in natural sugars and will negatively effect a diabetic hamster's health. If you are going to give yoru hamster fresh food, small amounts of lettuce (not iceberg) is a good option. There are many treatments out there, but I do not have the authority to explain any of these treatments, because I am not a vet, and all hamsters are different. No hamster is in the exact same situation, so to have a proper diagnosis and medication take your hamster to the vet, where he/she will recieve proper care and medication. Note: If your hamster's test for diabetes comes out negative, yet they are drinking and peeing excessively, your hamster might have a urinary tract/bladder infection. Which you would need help from a vet to treat. Just like humans, hamsters are born with, or can develop diabetes. This is usually influenced by lifestyle, and amounts of sugar your hamster is fed. But sometimes it can appear based on genetics. Russian Campbell's dwarf hamsters, Chinese hamsters, and Hybrids are prone to diabetes and should be watched very closely. Symptoms are: Excessive drinking and peeing (nonstop), 

 

 

Dehydration:

This strategy is written above, but in case you did not see it, I will repeat it: One of the easiest ways to tell if your hamster is dehydrated is by pinching the skin on your hamster's upper back or its nape and letting go, if the skin goes right back into place, your hamster is hydrated. If the skin stays pinched, and doesn't go back into place, your hamster is dehydrated. If so, I suggest making a pedialyte solution. *Credit goes to The Hamster Ninja* This is very helpful in severe situations where your hamster is very dehydrated. It also replenishes minerals and fluids. To create this solution you will need:

• 1 cup of water (lukewarm)

• 3/4 tablespoon of sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Mix these ingredients until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved in the water. Then you can use a syringe or an eyedropper (I suggest an eyedropper). For an adult dwarf, I'd give him/her 1.0ml over the course of an hour; if he takes the whole thing willingly by himself right away, don't give it to him over the couse of an hour, and give him as much as he'll take. Otherwise go for 0.01ml every 5-7 minutes. Ideally we want to see him pee.
For Syrians, take up 1.0ml in an eyedropper, and let it lightly drip into his/her mouth. (Don't squeeze, because that will result in too much water dropping into the hamster's mouth and may result in choking.) Give your hamster 0.1ml every 5-7 minutes. the goal is the 1.0ml in an hour's
time. If your hamster takes it all the first time, that's fine. In this case,
see how much more your hamster will take on their own. Be sure to keep an eye on her, because you want to make sure your hamster is peeing. If so, then the solution is working.