Diseases Carried by Hamsters

Hamsters are small rodent-like animals that make popular caged pets in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Despite their ease of care, there are a number of diseases that hamsters can contract and carry. If you choose to keep a hamster as a pet, it is important to be aware of the diseases that can affect them in order to give them the best chance at a long and healthy life.

  1. Parasites

    • A number of parasitic diseases can affect hamsters, including pinworms, tapeworms and mange. Mange is a skin irritation disease that causes hair loss in large clumps. There is a treatment for mange, but diseases involving hair loss may indicate further health issues. Tapeworms come from contaminated food containing tapeworm eggs, and the tapeworms infect the stomach of the hamster. Hamsters with tapeworms can lose weight and will have worms in their stool. Pinworms are less common but can also affect hamster intestines. Pinworms are not as harmful to the health of the hamster, but can still cause problems and you should have a veterinarian treat them.

    Rabies

    • Rabies is transmitted by a virus, and is capable of causing a variety of different systems. In order for a hamster to contract rabies, it must receive a bite from an animal with the virus. After contracting rabies, the hamster will develop an irritable temperament, and will typically die within several days of infection. Hamsters die from rabies because the virus causes the lungs and throat to be paralyzed, and they suffocate as a result. Rabies is preventable through vaccination, and hamsters typically only have to be vaccinated once in their lifetime.

    Wet Tail

    • Wet tail is the common name for Proliferative ileitis, which is an intestinal disease that is serious and deadly for hamsters. This is a bacterial infection that is common in both baby and adult hamsters. The telltale symptoms of wet tail in hamsters are a soiled and wet anal area, which indicate bleeding and diarrhea. Affected hamsters typically appear irritable, sullen and lethargic in addition to the diarrhea. The most common cause of wet tail is stress, which leads to a weakened immune system. Wet tail must be treated immediately as death can occur quickly without treatment.

    Salmonella

    • Salmonellosis or salmonella is an intestinal disease that is brought about by bacteria. The bacteria are initially transmitted by way of food such as fresh vegetables and fruit. Salmonella can affect entire families of hamsters and can be spread from one hamster to the next. Infected hamsters will be sullen, irritable and lethargic, and will likely experience diarrhea as well. Hamsters with salmonella can transmit the disease to humans, so beginning an antibiotic regimen with the help of a veterinarian is vital. Make sure to wash all fresh foods fed to the hamster to prevent salmonella.