Disease Symptoms in Hamsters

If you care for your hamster properly, he should live a healthy and happy life, logging mile after mile on his little stationary wheel. But hamsters can get sick. When you take your hamster out each day, look for any abnormalities such as lumps, watery eyes, irritability or a stiff gait. Hamsters are nocturnal by nature, so the signs and symptoms of an illness may not be immediately apparent, but if your hamster is ignoring his favorite snacks or showing other signs of disease or disability, he may need to see a veterinarian who treats small or exotic pets.

  1. Colds

    • Hamsters can contract colds and flu from their human caregivers; so do not handle your pet if you are suffering from a viral infection. Tiny, vulnerable hamsters can quickly develop fatal pneumonia. Symptoms of a hamster cold include sneezing, fever, watery eyes and lethargy. Keep your hamster warm and quiet if you observe these signs, but contact your veterinarian if symptoms don't improve within two days.

    Parasites

    • Hamsters can acquire two types of internal parasites: dwarf tapeworm and pinworms. Tapeworms can cause weight loss or constipation, but often there are no symptoms. Pinworms are considered harmless. Both types of internal parasites can be treated with prescription de-worming chemicals.

      External parasites of hamsters include fleas and mites. Both can cause intense itching and hair loss, although mites are responsible for mange, a skin condition that causes scaly, broken skin. Mange is contagious, and the affected hamster should be isolated from other pets and his living quarters disinfected carefully. Dusting or spraying the cage with pyrethrum powder or spray can control both fleas and mites.

    Nails and Teeth

    • Hamsters need regular nail trimming. A pair of good quality cat nail clippers is useful for hamster manicuring. Hold the paw firmly and cut off just the very tip. Hamster teeth grow throughout their lives. In the wild, they gnaw on nuts and wood to wear the teeth down so you must provide similar materials to your pet. If not, your veterinarian may need to clip the teeth, a process that sounds more dramatic than it really is. In fact, your veterinarian can demonstrate the procedure, and it can be done at home.

    Wet Tail

    • Hamsters are susceptible to a number of bacterial infections. The most common is wet tail (proliferative ileitis transmissible ileal hyperplasia). Wet tail is characterized by severe, watery diarrhea, and it is often brought on by stress. Lifestyle and environmental changes, poor diet or cage hygiene and overcrowding can trigger an attack, but there are treatments available to combat this sometimes fatal illness. Keep the hamster in a warm, clean, but well-ventilated cage and offer warm fluids. The hamster experts at Hamsterific.com recommend withholding food for 24 hours and offering Pedialyte solution until you get further advice from your veterinarian.

    Abscesses

    • Abscesses can form as the result of a bite wound or other injury. Infection can set in and form a hard, painful lump under the skin. Cheek pouch abscesses can occur if your hamster stashes sharp foods or bedding. Abscesses must be lanced and drained by a veterinarian. Antibiotics may be prescribed as well.

    Cage Paralysis

    • If your hamster's cage is too small to allow sufficient exercise, he could develop a temporary condition known as cage paralysis. Prevent this condition by providing a cage of adequate size, an exercise wheel and some interesting furniture for climbing, hiding and other activities.