Wet Tail
From Hamster Central WIKI
Also known as Transmisible Ileal Hyperplasia, almost all hamster owners will have heard of this disease. In some instances the term “wet tail” is incorrectly used to refer to all diarrhoea/enteritis in hamsters. It is almost exclusively a disease of Syrian hamsters and is more common in long-haired varieties. The bacterium Lawsonia intracellularis is currently considered a causative agent, but other organisms have been implicated. The disease is spread by a faecal-oral route between hamsters, and is associated with stresses such as weaning and changes in environment or diet, so is usually seen in young hamsters, very often soon after the move from pet shop to home.
Please see the following link for a comprehensive article on wet tail Wet Tail - Proliferative Ileitis
Symptoms may include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Soiling of the perianal region
- Hunched position
- Ungroomed coat
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
Death from dehydration may occur in 2-3 days, and more chronic cases may lead to rectal prolapse. Treatment is often unsuccessful and consists of supportive therapy and nursing.
- The hamster should be kept warm and in a clean cage.
- Dehydration may be corrected by giving intraperitoneal fluids (this would be done by a vet), or an oral rehydration solution (such as Lectade in the UK or Pedialite in the US) given by syringe or in place of the normal water.
- Food should be withheld for the first 24 hours.
- Antibiotics can also be given by a vet, usually by injection and followed by the owner using a syringe to give them by mouth.
- Other possible treatments may include multivitamin injections or probiotic supplements, which may aid recovery.
See here for other causes of Diarrhoea - Hamster Ailments - A resource of hamster related illness's and diseases
