Tapeworms in Hamsters

Pet hamsters may suffer from cestodes, or tapeworms, including one species, the dwarf tapeworm (Rodentlepis nana), that can be transferred to people. Tapeworm infestation kills hamsters quickly, so at the first signs of illness, hamsters need to see a veterinarian. Bring a recent fecal sample so the vet can check for tapeworm eggs. Tapeworms infest all species of pet hamster.

  1. Cause

    • Hamsters become infected with tapeworms when the hamster eats an insect or feces already infected with tapeworms. This happens whenever hamsters are placed together, such as in pet stores. Pet hamsters rarely eat insects but do eat the feces of other hamsters, as well as their own feces. This process, called coprophagy, gives the hamster necessary vitamins in order to remain healthy, according to "Training Your Pet Hamster." Eating food that has come into contact with infected feces can also transmit tapeworms.

    Signs

    • Hamsters with mild tapeworm infestations do not show any signs. Desert View Animal Hospital notes that a very attentive hamster owner may see tiny white worms in the feces or coming out of the pet's rectum. Usually, by the time hamsters begin showing signs of tapeworm, they are heavily infested and need immediate veterinary attention. These signs include diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss and dehydration. Hamsters' coats may become dull and loose its glossiness.

    Treatment

    • Hamsters are treated with niclosamide, a drug specifically to kill intestinal tapeworms. The hamster is given 10 mg for every 100 mg that it weighs. A powdered form can be mixed into the hamster's water or food pellets at a dosage of 500 mg in every 150 kg of hamster food, recommends "The Laboratory Hamster &Gerbil." The cage needs disinfecting and the bedding entirely changed in order to prevent any tapeworm eggs from hatching.

    Warnings

    • People who come into contact with contaminated hamster bedding or feces can become infected with dwarf tapeworms. Always wash your hands after handling a sick hamster or cleaning its cage bedding. Also wash your hands before handling other animals or pet rodents so that they do not become infected. Never let a small child or person with an immunodeficiency problem handle a tapeworm-infested hamster.