Any at home/natural remedies for wet tail?

[HamsterCrazy1]

I got a male Syrian hamster yesterday at the pet store. Today he isn't doing well. His ears are down, he's been sleeping all day unless I wake him (I understand that he is nocturnal but he wasn't even active at all in the morning or evening). His underside is also soaked with urine and feces, and by the looks of the cage he has some diarrhea. I wondered if it was because he was in his tubes (I removed them by the way) and there was urine in there and he got wet. Anyhow, I believe he has wet tail, so any ideas? The pet store is quite a ways away from us but he came with a warranty for 15 days if he dies or gets sick. Should I take him back to the pet store? Otherwise I have some Dri-Tail remedy, should I use this? Some people say that it doesn't work, but can it hurt him? I can possibly take him to a vet but from my understanding it is going to be $$$ which I wasn't prepared for.

I'm a completely new hamster owner here and quite discouraged about this. I really appreciate ANY advice. I believe it is from stress, since he arrived at that pet store less than a week ago, then came home separated from his litter mates, into a new habitat with new food. The only thing I've given him besides food is a tiny tiny piece of carrot but he was developing wet tail before I gave him that. Thank You so much!

[Drago]

Sorry to hear he is unwell

Unfortunately, the only way he can be cured is by being taken to the vet immediately. Time is of the essence! Hamsters go downhill quick so it's crucial you get him to see a qualified exotics veterinarian ASAP. Dri-tail won't help any unfortunately, it's simply vit C drops with a few other chemicals which will not help anything once it's already begun. Wet tail (proliferative ileitis) is caused by a bacteria which is ever present in a hamster's system, but only becomes an issue when the immune system is weakened (say by illness, stress, etc.). The only way to rid of such bacteria would be to get antibiotics which can only be prescribed by a vet. It's unfortunate there are no home remedies, but it must be understood that when taking on an animal, you accept that you will have to pay vet bills if they fall ill. Not bringing him to the vet would be cruel and irresponsible. All vets cost quite a bit which is why it's recommended you have a large vet fund BEFORE acquiring a hamster for situations just like these. Though it may be an investment, it's nothing several weeks work can't pay off so I wouldn't stress too much over it. Good luck at the vets, please keep us posted on how he's doing


Vetectiveâ„¢ - Exotic Mammal Veterinarian Search
This should be of help in finding an exotics vet

[chesca_27]

Taking him back to the pet store would be quite irresponsible as he is stressed enough without adding the stress of going back. Also, when you get an animal you need to commit to them no matter what, no exchange him as if he is a broken toy. As many members have already told you, Dri-Tail will not cure wet tail, only veterinary treatment will. You need to take him to a vet and the longer you wait, the chance of recovery decreases. Ideally, you would have a vet fund in place, but you should always be prepared for that animal to get sick as it is highly likely they may be ill at some point. Some vets may be cheaper than you expect though, as a health check for Jasper with an exotics vet ended up being £15. Please just take him to the vet and I know other members were certainly telling you yesterday that he needs to see a vet.

I really hope he makes a full recovery but that can only happen with a vet visit.

[AprilPearl]

I am afraid I can’t add to what has already been said. I just came here to beg you to take him to the vet. He will most likely die if you don’t and by buying him you made a commitment to him. I know that not everyone is rich, but he is a little person with thoughts and feelings, not an object or toy. He deserves an owner who will do everything in their power to help him. Please do the right thing. Don’t leave him to suffer.

[HamsterCrazy1]

I wasn't going to take him back to the pet store and leave him there. I wouldn't just abandon an animal like that. But since last week their hamsters were sick with wet tail (I got him from a different cage then they were in, but now I'm learning that this still wasn't a good idea. When I went to get him, the ones in the cage were different hamsters but had wet tail, after the employee supposedly took care of the manner). I wonder if they'd do anything. His littermates looked healthy and were in a different cage than the infected hamsters so I thought I was good. The warranty says if he passes away OR develops an illness. I guess I won't be doing that.

I'll try and get him to the vet ASAP. I just had to pay a vet bill for my goat and get some meds for my other animals.. but I'll call around and see who can fit him in. Last night, he was very active and his eyes were bright, so I think I still have time today.

[Cotton]

Hi HamsterCrazy,

I am sorry to read that your hamster is ill. Does the receipt say he comes with 15 days pet insurance? That's different than returning him and relinquishing him because he is ill. In that case, he would still be treated by a veterinarian and returned to you.

Personally, I would choose a veterinarian who specializes in treating "pocket pets". I know that is not an option for everyone. I have a fantastic veterinarian that treated my mini-lops for annual check-ups, illnesses, etc., and she treats hamsters, too. I pay veterinary bills in full ($3000+ for one mini-lop) but I was asked, "Do you want to pay this in full?" so I assume that means some veterinarians allow bills to be paid over monthly payments. That may be an option for you. (Plus, a hamster's veterinary bill would probably not cost as much as that.)

The important thing is to get him treated as soon as possible. Keep us updated. Hoping all goes well!

[Cotton]

Oh, and I know a lot of people hate the phrase "pocket pets". I used that wording because many veterinarians use it in their ads to indicate they treat hamsters and other small pets.

[HamsterCrazy1]

I called the pet store, just seeing what they would do, before I took him to the vet. They explained to me the process, so I took him back. Basically I returned him, and they will treat him for 5-7 days, then I will come and buy him back with the store gift card. I would have never taken him there and instead taken him to the vet if I wasn't going to be able to get him back. They immediately took him in the back and got him all set up and gave him his first dose of medication, which they said he took well. The employee seemed to know quite a bit about hamsters, and was helpful. He said I can call throughout the treatment period and ask about how he's doing which I will end up doing several times. I don't know what medication or treatment plan they used, but it sounded like they've done it/used it before. I appreciate ya'lls advice and I'll keep you updated!

[HamsterCrazy1]

*I had to technically return him to they could treat him as their animal, and not mine which I totally understand.* So on his cage is my name & contact info and if anything changes or when he is ready to be picked up they'll call me

[JLPrairie]

Oh, great! I hope Pebbles is feeling better now. Might be a good idea to start a vet fund from now on!