New hamster with wet tail

livedinhogwarts · 06-02-2018, 11:05 AM

Me and my family decided to buy a new hamster about a week ago. Keep in mind this was our first hamster, so we didn't know very much about how to take care of hamsters. He seemed fine the first two days he moved to our house, but on the third day started showing signs of wet tail and stress. I was quite worried about him since he seemed really stressed and wouldn't let us clean out his cage, so I decided to take him to the vet the next morning, roughly 12 hrs after symptoms started showing.

The vet confirmed it was wet tail, and said that while there was a good chance he would survive, he might not

The vet recommended he was hospitalised because he was acting very aggressive (most likely due to stress) so we wouldn't be able to give him his medicine. I was quite upset about the whole thing of course.

He's been in the vets three days now. I called the vets a couple of days ago and they said his condition was almost the same as when he first arrived, except that his bedding was dry now, which I'm guessing is a good sign? The vets said they would call when they have updates, but they haven't called since a couple of days ago. I'm starting to feel quite worried. What are the chances he will get better?

Sorry if it seems like I'm rambling on with no real question. I just wanted some advice. Thanks

souffle · 06-02-2018, 11:50 AM

I'm sorry to hear your hammy is unwell.
Did you take him to the vets in the store where you bought him? Did they say he would be returned to you from the store?
It is really very hard to pull a hamster through wet tail so they would be guarded about his chances and sometimes they do relapse very quickly when they are taken off the fluids and can be left with long term bowel problems and pass away quite young sadly.
It would be good if you could call and find out how he is doing. If it was a private vet then you should be getting frequent updates really as you will be paying for this.
The store vets do tend to take the animal as 'returned' and may not be so easy to get information from. You really have to keep pushing to get them back if that is what you want. I hope you have good news soon though.

dreamtree1234 · 06-02-2018, 12:07 PM

I am so sorry that your ham has wet tail. It is a very serious illness. I would just try calling the vet again and request daily updates even if there is no changes in his condition so you won't have to be wondering. If they aren't giving you updates or returning your call, I would just go down there and speak to the vet directly. I do hope that you get updates from the vet, and you receive good news. I will be praying for your little one and hoping he recovers from this. Hugs to you.

CookieBlossomBella · 06-02-2018, 12:32 PM

Oh

Bless you and your darling hamster, I am really hoping he pulls through.
Everyone else has already given you good advice and i am just praying he returns to you safe and healthy.
I will be worrying about your little ham so please let us know how it all goes.
Hugs and love
CBB

livedinhogwarts · 06-02-2018, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by souffle

I'm sorry to hear your hammy is unwell.
Did you take him to the vets in the store where you bought him? Did they say he would be returned to you from the store?
It is really very hard to pull a hamster through wet tail so they would be guarded about his chances and sometimes they do relapse very quickly when they are taken off the fluids and can be left with long term bowel problems and pass away quite young sadly.
It would be good if you could call and find out how he is doing. If it was a private vet then you should be getting frequent updates really as you will be paying for this.
The store vets do tend to take the animal as 'returned' and may not be so easy to get information from. You really have to keep pushing to get them back if that is what you want. I hope you have good news soon though.

I took him to the vets in the shop I bought him from. The thing is his treatment was covered for free. The horrible thing was that the vet asked if I wanted to get a new hamster to replace him, and this made me the most upset

I said that I wanted him back when he got better, but they said they can only return him if he becomes fully healthy again...so I don't really know what will happen

The vets is closed now so I will probably call again tomorrow to find out how he's doing. Thank you for the advice

livedinhogwarts · 06-02-2018, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamtree1234

I am so sorry that your ham has wet tail. It is a very serious illness. I would just try calling the vet again and request daily updates even if there is no changes in his condition so you won't have to be wondering. If they aren't giving you updates or returning your call, I would just go down there and speak to the vet directly. I do hope that you get updates from the vet, and you receive good news. I will be praying for your little one and hoping he recovers from this. Hugs to you.

I tried asking for updates the other day, and they said they would definitely give one within two days, but they didn't. Honestly I'm quite worried because it makes me feel more like his health isn't improving. I think calling them is the best way to find out more. Thanks for the kind words; they mean a lot ^_^

livedinhogwarts · 06-02-2018, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookieBlossomBella

Oh

Bless you and your darling hamster, I am really hoping he pulls through.
Everyone else has already given you good advice and i am just praying he returns to you safe and healthy.
I will be worrying about your little ham so please let us know how it all goes.
Hugs and love
CBB

Thank you so much. That really means a lot. I hope he pulls through as well and I've been praying for him very much. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on what happens

BubbyandHamper · 06-02-2018, 01:43 PM

Oh my, bless you and your young hammy! I agree with what Dream said. Hope he gets well and comes home safe <3

livedinhogwarts · 06-02-2018, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BubbyandHamper

Oh my, bless you and your young hammy! I agree with what Dream said. Hope he gets well and comes home safe <3

Thank you. That means a lot ^_^

souffle · 06-02-2018, 02:02 PM

I wouldn't get another one from that store if he does not make it. As I said it is very hard with wet tail and a young and untame hamster. It is very contagious and the other hams may be affected too.
Good for you in having him back. I would call them frequently until you know how he does. If they refunded you the money for him then he is technically not yours and you do need to push them to get him back. I have seen this happen quite frequently.