How to Cure Wet Tail in Hamsters

Wet tail is a catchall term for intestinal distress in hamsters. The most frequent cause of wet tail is a bacterial infection inflaming the intestines, a condition called proliferative ileitis. Symptoms include diarrhea, matting and staining near the anus, lethargy and anorexia. Proliferative ileitis occurs when a hamster eats food or drinks water that feces have soiled, or when the hamster ingests feces during grooming. Wet tail can also be brought on by stress or transmitted from another hamster. Treat wet tail immediately to restore health to your little pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Antibiotics and/or anti-diarrhea medication
  • Pediatric oral electrolyte solution
  • Syringe
  • Washcloth
  • Clean bedding
  • Clean food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bring the hamster to a rodent-savvy veterinarian as soon as you notice symptoms. Do not wait. Hamsters frequently die of wet tail. According to Hamsterific.com, an infected hamster may die as soon as 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. The vet will determine the bacteria infecting the animal. The most common are L. intracellularis, E. coli, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium and chlamydia.

    • 2

      Administer antibiotics and anti-diarrhea medication, following the veterinarian's instructions for dosage and frequency. Some hamster-safe antibiotics are enrofloxacin, neomycin and metronidazole.

    • 3

      Give the hamster a few drops of unflavored pediatric oral electrolyte solution from a syringe every few hours. Karen Rosenthal, DVM, suggests that this will keep the hamster from getting dehydrated.

    • 4

      Clean your hamster's bottom gently using a warm, wet washcloth. Otherwise, the hamster may re-infect itself trying to groom its bottom clean.

    • 5

      Clean your hamster's cage thoroughly. Replace all bedding, food and water with new bedding, clean food and clean water.