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Hamsters love receiving treats such as greens and fruit. However, these should be limited. A diet containing too many treats can lead to diarrhoea and escalate to wet tail rapidly is left in unsanitary conditions.
What to do if your hamster has a wet tail?
Clean all objects that the infected hamster has touched, including its cage, wheel and any other items in the cage. Wet tail is very contagious! Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly to avoid passing the disease from one cage to another. Only feed dry foods.
What can I give my hamster for a sore tail?
If you are unable to take your hamster to an exotics vet, you can try giving him wet tail drops at home. These drops are orange flavored and have an antibiotic in them. They can be purchased without seeing a veterinarian and can be put in a water bottle or directly in the hamster's mouth.
What kind of water can I give my hamster?
Or, you can use a bottled water that is labeled as safe for newborn humans, which is safe for hamsters as well. You can find out here how much water a hamster needs, and how to clean his water bottle.
Can a hamster survive with diarrhea and wet tail?
While diarrhea for humans is not very hard to treat, hamsters have an incredibly small chance of survival. Wet tail is mostly brought on by severe stress, which triggers unwanted changes in the hamster’s intestinal flora.
How can I help my hamster with wet tail?
If you suspect your hamster has wet tail, having them seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible is a critical first step. Your vet will likely start your pet on an antibiotic and may also recommend administering subcutaneous fluids to aid in hydration as well as syringe feeding if your hamster is not eating.
How long does it take a hamster to recover from wet tail?
Recovery is most likely if it is spotted within the first 24–48 hours, and veterinary advice should be sought. A vet may choose to give the animal drugs.
Do hamsters eat when they have wet tail?
Clean all objects that the infected hamster has touched, including its cage, wheel and any other items in the cage. Wet tail is very contagious! Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly to avoid passing the disease from one cage to another. Only feed dry foods.
How do you treat diarrhea in hamsters?
If your hamster's only symptom is diarrhoea and there are no other signs of illness, the cause is likely to be dietary. Withhold fresh fruit and veg and just feed dry food, provide plenty of fresh water, keep the environment warm, ensuring a draft free location and monitor this whilst your hamster is unwell.
What antibiotics treat wet tail?
Some commonly used antibiotics include tetracycline, trimethoprim sulfa and enrofloxacin. The patient is typically hospitalized in an incubator to keep warm and clean. Despite aggressive treatment, many hamsters succumb to the disease and perish within 48 hours.
Why do hamsters get wet tail?
Stress is usually the main culprit of wet tail. Young hamsters get moved from a breeder or vendor to a pet store, to a new home, and sometimes get returned to the store after that, all within a period of a few weeks. This would stress anyone out—especially a tiny baby hamster.
Does cucumber help wet tail?
Food with high water levels such as cucumber, should be fed sparingly and in moderation to prevent wet tail and/or diarrhoea. These vegetables also generally have little to no nutritional value, so choosing other vegetables to feed would be a better choice.
Can I put baking soda in hamster cage?
Sprinkling baking soda on the bottom of the cage can help absorb odors. Just add the baking soda before you put in the hamster's bedding. Baking soda is a good way to keep your cage smelling great, as it is readily available and very cheap.
How you know if your hamster is dying?
When a hamster is dying, its breathing will be more agitated, choppy and its pulse will begin to diminish progressively until exhausted. It is also possible that your hamster may suffer from tremors or a stiff jaw. Signs of a dead hamster include: No apparent breathing or movement.
What are the first signs of wet tail in hamsters?
Symptoms include;A wet, dirty tail.Very liquid diarrhea.Matted hair around hamster's rear.Blood in diarrhea or around the anus.Hamster hunches over due to abdominal discomfort.Irritable behavior.Dull dry coat.Dull, sunken eyes (from dehydration)More items...•
What does wet tail look like on a hamster?
0:091:52Wet tail in Syrian Hamsters | Hamster Health - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe symptoms of wet tail are diarrhea. They appear Lothar Jack loss of appetite dehydration. And aMoreThe symptoms of wet tail are diarrhea. They appear Lothar Jack loss of appetite dehydration. And a hunched posture while sitting or walking. Whistle is very contagious.
How long does it take to cure wet tail?
How Long Does It Take for a Hamster To Recover From Wet Tail? Hamsters with wet tail are commonly given a course of antibiotics lasting at least 7 days. They'll need the full course to make a recovery, after which you should see an improvement in their condition.
How you know if your hamster is dying?
When a hamster is dying, its breathing will be more agitated, choppy and its pulse will begin to diminish progressively until exhausted. It is also possible that your hamster may suffer from tremors or a stiff jaw. Signs of a dead hamster include: No apparent breathing or movement.
What are the first signs of wet tail in hamsters?
Symptoms include;A wet, dirty tail.Very liquid diarrhea.Matted hair around hamster's rear.Blood in diarrhea or around the anus.Hamster hunches over due to abdominal discomfort.Irritable behavior.Dull dry coat.Dull, sunken eyes (from dehydration)More items...•
Do wet tail drops work?
5.0 out of 5 stars These drops really do work! My little one became extremely ill with wet tail. He looked awful and I honestly thought she would die. Reading in websites everyone said 48 to 72 hours of extreme pain.
Is your hammy at risk ?
Any hamster is at risk. Not to sound doomsday-ish, but this is the truth. However there are a few specific hamsters out there that are most susceptible.
How to treat hamster diarrhea?
In this case you need to do the following: 1 Remove any fruit and veg from your hamster’s diet. ‘Wet’ food like these can worsen the diarrhea, mostly because it doesn’t provide just water. 2 Only give the hammy very dry food. This includes his usual food mix, dry oats, a very small piece of dry bread. Another option if a few grains of steamed brown rice. The dry food will settle your hamster’s insides a bit more. 3 The water your hamster gets from his bottle should not be very cold. And it should be plain, unflavored water. If he has a vitamin mix in his water, remove it for the time being. 4 If your hammy isn’t drinking – try giving him one drop of water every half hour. Hold him by the scruff of the neck (it will not hurt) and with an eye dropper place a drop of water on his lips. The hammy will then lick it, and have at least a bit of water. More than a drop at a time can drown the hammy. 5 If your hamster isn’t eating, try unflavored baby food. No onion, garlic, sugar, or any spices at all. He will need very small amounts of food, only what he can lick off the very tip of a teaspoon. Scruffing the hammy will work here as well.
How long does it take for a hamster to survive a wet tail?
Wet tail can be fairly hard to survive for hamsters. This is mostly because it has an incubation period (7 days), in which it’s not immediately obvious that the hamster is sick.
Why is hamster swarming fatal?
It can be fatal because the hamster hasn’t had time to fatten up and build a big and warm enough nest.
How big is a hamster cage?
The right sized cage is a minimum of 24 x 12 inches, and about 12 inches tall. That’s 61 x 30.5 cm, and about 30.5 cm tall. That’s for a Syrian hammy, and the minimum for keeping 2 Dwarf types. Not all hamsters can live together though, and some will fight to the death.
Why is my hamster's tail wet?
There are other symptoms, which we’ll cover soon. That is because wet tail is a type of diarrhea, brought on by bacteria inside the hamster’s gut. While diarrhea for humans is not very hard to treat, hamsters have an incredibly small chance of survival.
Why do hamsters have moldy cages?
This is because infections can occur when the hamster’s cage has stray bacteria, that can develop from an unclean cage. And also, an unclean cage can become moldy in some places.
What Is Hamster Wet Tail?
Wet tail disease is an intestinal problem caused by bacteria. It is characterized by a wet, dirty tail and hindquarters. This is the result of diarrhea.
What will kill wet tail bacteria?
Antibiotics will kill the wet tail bacteria. Subcutaneous fluids will counter the dehydration caused by the diarrhea, along with antidiarrheal medication.
How long should you keep a hamster separate from other hamsters?
You can help prevent contagion by keeping new hamsters separate from other hamsters until you have had your hamster examined by a veterinarian or at least a week has passed without signs of illness.
Why is my dog's tail wet?
As we already know, wet tail is caused by the bacterial species Lawsonia intracellularis. Lawsonia intracellularis is transmitted through feces. This particular bacteria can also infect pigs, horses, ferrets, dogs, and primates. But luckily for us, it does not appear to be transmissible to people.
How old is a hamster when it gets wet?
But luckily for us, it does not appear to be transmissible to people. Young hamsters between three to six weeks old (the weaning stage) are particularly susceptible to wet tail. Since many of the hamsters sold in pet stores are around this age, wet tail can occur shortly after you bring your new hamster home.
Is hamster wet tail scary?
Hamster wet tail is a scary thing, and hopefully one you won’t have to deal with yourself. But it is the most frequently seen hamster disease, so it always pays to know the symptoms. This means that if you do see any of the signs then you can act straight away.
Can hamsters take antibiotics?
In addition to antibiotics, your hamster may need supportive care, and the wet tail drops could be the wrong antibiotic for your hamster.
How to treat a hamster with wet tail drops?
This can be done by mixing the appropriate amount of wet tail drops into your hamster's water bottle. When choosing a hamster from a pet store, make sure he is active, that his eyes are open, ...
How Does a Hamster Get Wet Tail?
Stress is usually the main culprit of wet tail. Young hamsters get moved from a breeder or vendor to a pet store, to a new home, and sometimes get returned to the store after that, all within a period of a few weeks. This would stress anyone out—especially a tiny baby hamster. This stress causes the bacteria to overpopulate in the gut, which in turn causes diarrhea.
What Is Wet Tail?
This wet tail is basically diarrhea, or loose stools, and also known as proliferative ileitis or regional enteritis. The diarrhea is thought to be caused by an overgrowth of intestinal bacteria.
How to Prevent Wet Tail?
This can be done by mixing the appropriate amount of wet tail drops into your hamster's water bottle.
What is a wet tail on a hamster?
The term "wet tail" refers to just that—a wet tail, on your pet hamster. This wet tail is basically diarrhea, or loose stools, from one or multiple factors . 1 It is also known as proliferative ileitis or regional enteritis. The diarrhea is thought to be caused by an overgrowth of Campylobacter jejuni, a type of bacteria.
How to choose a hamster from a pet store?
When choosing a hamster from a pet store, make sure he is active, that his eyes are open, and that his rear end is dry and free of fecal matter. To play it even safer, don't take home a hamster that is living with another hamster that doesn't look too healthy (i .e., eyes closed, sitting in the corner, wet bottom).
Why do hamsters get wet?
How Does a Hamster Get Wet Tail? Stress is usually the main culprit of wet tail. Young hamsters get moved from a breeder or vendor to a pet store, to a new home, and sometimes get returned to the store after that, all within a period of a few weeks. This would stress anyone out—especially a tiny baby hamster.
What can a vet prescribe for a hamster?
Your vet will prescribe your hamster with antibiotics and anti-diarrhoea medication. Depending on how dehydrated your hamster is your vet may provide intravenous liquids. Otherwise your hamster will be allowed as much water through a normal bottle.
Why is my hamster's tail wet?
Stomach Problems. Just like humans get stomach bugs, hamsters can too. Wet tail is can be caused by a rapid growth of bacteria in the stomach, resulting in diarrhoea and a foul odour.
What Can Cause Wet Tail?
It can be fatal if left untreated and is one of the leading deaths of hamsters. Wet tail is caused by faecal to oral contact with deadly bacteria and the following are some of the leading causes:
How old are hamsters when they get wet tails?
It is most common in hamsters that are three to six weeks old, but every hamster can be susceptible. Although it can strike any hamster, the long-haired Teddy Bear hamsters do seem to be plagued by the illness the most. Wet tail is not a life sentence for a hamster.
How to tell if hamster is wet?
The most obvious signs are diarrhoea and wetness around the anus and tail. But you may also notice the following: Loss of appetite. Lethargy.
How long does it take for a hamster to die from a wet tail?
Even if you notice the smallest sign of wet tail, ring your vets and make an appointment immediately. Wet tail can cause hamsters to die within 48 hours of the first symptoms showing.
When you are purchasing a hamster, what should you examine?
When you are purchasing a hamster examine the cleanliness of their cage and whether any of the hamsters have wet tail
What to do if your hamster has a wet tail?
However, as soon as you spot the signs you should seek veterinary advice. For the best chance of a full recovery, you should seek out veterinary help a.s.a.p., preferably within the first 24 hours.
Why is my hamster's tail wet?
Hamster wet tail or “proliferative ileitis” as it is commonly known, is an intestinal disease that usually effects young hamsters. Distinguishable by excessive diarrhea that makes the tail area appear wet and dirty, it is usually triggered by stress. Here I look at the symptoms, treatment and prevention of wet tail in hamsters.
How to keep hamsters from getting icky?
Lay off the treats for a while and avoid additional fresh fruit and vegetables – especially those with a high water content. Never bathe your hamster, but if their tail looks a little icky, gentle wipe it clean with a damp cotton bud. Try to minimize the amount of stress your hamster may be exposed too.
How long does it take for a hamster to die from a wet tail?
Wet tail can be fatal for your hamster if it is not treated within 48 hours, with most dying from dehydration. It is important to note that you cannot treat wet tail yourself with over the counter pet medicines.
How to treat hamster diarrhea?
Once diagnosed by a professional, they will provide your hamster with antibiotic drops to clear the infection and something to treat the diarrhea. They may also need to give your hamster an injection of fluids.
How to keep hamsters calm?
Keep them on food they are used to. Hamster love variety and in the wild are used to eating almost anything.
How to calm a hamster?
Try to minimize the amount of stress your hamster may be exposed too. Place them in a familiar room that is quiet and calm until they are back to their best.
Prognosis
Overview
- The term \"wet tail\" refers to just thata wet tail, on your pet hamster. This wet tail is basically diarrhea, or loose stools, from one or multiple factors. It is also known as proliferative ileitis or regional enteritis. The diarrhea is thought to be caused by an overgrowth of Campylobacter jejuni, a type of bacteria.
Causes
- Stress is usually the main culprit of wet tail. Young hamsters get moved from a breeder or vendor to a pet store, to a new home, and sometimes get returned to the store after that, all within a period of a few weeks. This would stress anyone outespecially a tiny baby hamster. This stress causes the normal gut flora (the Campylobacter bacteria) to overpopulate, which in turn causes …
Prevention
- Wet tail is also extremely contagious. Therefore if your new hamster was kept in a large cage with other hamsters that had wet tail, your hamster and/or the other hamsters could get wet tail too. When picking out a hamster to take home, make sure he is active and running around to decrease the likelihood of him having wet tail already. Some exotics vets may recommend treating your h…
Treatment
- In order to treat wet tail, you need to know your hamster has wet tail and not just diarrhea. Remember, since wet tail is a bacterial issue and causes diarrhea, your hamster can have diarrhea for reasons other than having the wet tail disease. For example, your hamster may eat some fresh fruit or veggies that have high water contents and suddenly he has diarrhea. This diarrhea is mo…
Risks
- If you are unable to take your hamster to an exotics vet, you can try giving him wet tail drops at home. These drops are orange flavored and have an antibiotic in them. They can be purchased without seeing a veterinarian and can be put in a water bottle or directly in the hamster's mouth. If your hamster does not improve on these drops in a couple ...
Safety
- When choosing a hamster from a pet store, make sure he is active, that his eyes are open, and that his rear end is dry and free of fecal matter. To play it even safer, don't take home a hamster that is living with another hamster that doesn't look too healthy (i.e., eyes closed, sitting in the corner, wet bottom).