There is a disease called wet tail that affects hamsters.The name "wet tail" comes from the fact that it results from soft, watery droppings.It can be fatal for hamsters with this infections to suffer from severe dehydration.You need to know what you can do to improve your hamster's chances of recovery.
Step 1: The signs of wet tail can be seen.
The name "wet tail" comes from the fact that the hamster's tail is wet.This is not a diagnosis in its own right.We call it "wet tail" because it can have many different causes, but the result is the same: loss of fluids.The tail end and abdomen of a hamster can be wet, matted and dirty, which can show itself as grumpiness or aggression.
Step 2: Fruits and vegetables can be removed from the diet.
Fruits and vegetables should not be removed before seeing the vet.Once your vet has examined the animal, he will give further advice on diet.Dry foodbinds the bowels better than fruit and vegetables.Fruits and vegetables can be removed from the diet if they are more watery.
Step 3: The sick hamster needs to be isolated.
It's a good idea to be on the side of caution when it comes to wet tail.If you have a sick hamster, separate it from everyone else.The sick hamster may prefer to be left alone.Ask a friend to care for your hamsters during the recovery period.You can concentrate on the sick ones.It reduces stress for you and your hamster.
Step 4: Take your dog to the vet.
A course of antibiotics and medication will be prescribed by the vet.Antibiotics should not be added to food or water.This would be useless because your hamster isn't eating drinking anyway.You don't want to discourage him from drinking if you put something strange in the water.If the hamster is very sick, the vet may give him antibiotics by injection.Diagnostic tests on hamsters are hard because they are so small.It's difficult for the vet to make a definitive diagnosis of the underlying cause.
Step 5: If it's necessary, ask the vet to give the hamster some water.
If the hamster is very thirsty, ask the vet if it's a good idea to give him an injection.You can check for hydration by pinching the back of the neck.The healthy, hydrated skin will come back.If it takes more than 2 seconds to return to normal, you should be concerned about dehydration.When an animal is unwell, the absorption of a saline injection can be slow.
Step 6: If your pet needs to be hospitalized, allow the vet to do so.
defer to his opinion if the vet is concerned about the hamster's healthIf he asks you to leave your pet at the clinic, the staff will be able to give additional antibiotics by injection.
Step 7: The hamster should be given its medication at home.
You need to be attentive to your pet's medical care at home if the vet doesn't recommend hospitalization.Baytril is an antibiotic that can be taken by mouth.The dose is usually one drop per day.The vet may suggest pouring a balanced electrolyte solution into the hamster's mouth to keep it hydrated.To avoid flooding the hamster's lungs, this needs to be done with care.The eyedropper is the best way to give the electrolyte solution.Touch the solution to the hamster's lips after squeezing a single drop from the dropper.The solution will cause the drop to hit the hamster's mouth and dry it out.If possible, this should be done every half-hour to hour.
Step 8: The hamster should be kept warm.
hamsters have a large surface area to volume ratio.They can get very cold quickly when they are sick.The ideal environment for a hamster is 70-80F.
Step 9: Reduce stress.
It's the last thing your buddy needs, experts believe wet tail to be a stress-related disease.There should be no source of stress or distraction in the room where the hamster is resting.Other hamsters, barking dogs, inquisitive cats, bright lights, and anything noisy is included.Unless your vet advises you to, don't change the usual food if you remove wet foods from it's diet.This can lead to more stress.Don't move the hamster too much, beyond vet visits and initial isolation.Stress is caused by transportation.
Step 10: Good hygiene is practiced during the care period.
When you have more than one hamster, sloppiness can spread the disease.Before and after handling a hamster, wash your hands.The cage, drink bottle, food dish, and toys need to be kept clean.The cage should be cleaned every 2 or 3 days.It is not good for the hamster's recovery if you try to clean it more often.
Step 11: It will be difficult to make a decision.
hamsters don't respond well to therapy.If your hamster develops signs, be prepared for the worst, because they might not get better.The success rate for treating wet tail is low, and if the hamster does not rally within 24 - 48 hours, the chances are it won't.If the hamster continues to get worse, it may be a good idea to put it to sleep.Look for dehydration (lift his scruff and watch it fall back down), lack of activity, no response when touched or handled, continued diarrhea, and a foul smell which is getting worse.If the hamster's condition gets worse, you should give him a chance.It might be a good idea to let him go and relieve his pain.
Step 12: Consider the breed of the hamster.
Dwarf hamsters do not get wet tail.Long-haired teddy hamsters seem to be the most prone to wet tail.When purchasing hamsters, it is a good idea to ask your breeder or vet about your breed's risk of wet tail.
Step 13: There are young hamsters.
hamsters between 3 and 8 weeks of age seem to be vulnerable to infections.Their immune systems are still developing, and aren't very good at fighting off bugs.According to research, the most likely cause of wet tail is the Desulfovibrio species.
Step 14: Don't over- handle the new hamsters.
The baby hamsters are the most easily affected by this.New hamsters should be given time to adjust to their new surroundings before being handled too much.You might cause wet tail conditions if you stress them out too much.Give new hamsters a week to get to know each other.It is a good idea to isolated them during this time, as wet tail can be incubating for 7 days before symptoms appear.
Step 15: You should be aware of gastrointestinal issues.
If the balance of microorganisms in their guts is disturbed, adult hamsters tend to develop symptoms.clostridium overloads the gut, causing wet tail symptoms.Stress, fear of a predator like a house cat, change of diet, and antibiotics given by mouth are some of the factors that can cause the initial gastrointestinal disturbance.
Step 16: Take the hamster's other conditions into account.
There may be an underlying medical condition that causes the gastrointestinal problems.There are conditions that can contribute to wet tail.