Chinese Dwarf Hamster Diseases

Chinese dwarf hamsters can be fun and adorable pets. They are sometimes referred to as "rat hamsters," due to their shortened noses and long tails. All hamsters should be kept in solitude, as interactions with other hamsters can lead to fighting and great harm or death. Nocturnal by nature, sick hamsters' symptoms can sometimes go unnoticed, so they should be watched carefully if illness is suspected.

  1. Colds and Influenza

    • A hamster's small size means illness must be treated as soon as possible.

      Hamsters are susceptible to human illness and germs, so they should be handled with clean hands at all times. A hamster's cold can quickly turn worse, even escalating into pneumonia. Symptoms are the same as human symptoms, which include runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, fever and lethargy. The quickest and most effective treatment is antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian.

    Wet Tail

    • Fluids, not food, are needed at the first signs of wet tail.

      Wet tail is quite serious, and is caused by stress brought on by malnutrition, a change in environment, overcrowding or even a dirty cage. The main symptom is diarrhea, accompanied by lethargy and sitting in a hunched position. If left untreated, the dehydration caused by wet tail may result in death in as little as two days. At the first sign of symptoms, the cage should be sterilized and warm fluids should be given until the hamster can be seen by a vet. While found less in dwarfs, and more in Syrians, wet tail is a serious ailment for all hamsters.

    Diabetes

    • Seeds and other foods that are low in sugar are good for hamsters with diabetes.

      As in humans, diabetes in dwarf hamsters is considered to be hereditary. It usually appears before the hamster is a year old, and is often set off by diet, stress or a dirty cage. Drinking water in excess, frequent urination and trembling can all be symptoms. A veterinarian should be consulted for a diagnosis. Just as in humans, there is no cure for hamster diabetes, but it can be treated with diet and proper hydration.