Poor fudge.

[Matt]

I think Fudge has wet tail, and I first noticed friday. Called the vets and they had nothing available until Monday (tomorrow). I'm not 100% it's wet tail though. I mean, he seems pretty active (when hes out) he hasnt been on his wheel as much and hes not drinking at all. He's always got a messy rear end when I wake up and when I get home from work. It's around his tail but hes not covered in it all over. I have tried dripping water into his mouth and I have a bowl of water. I've been changing his bet everyday as it gets very messy. I have to call the vets in the morning and see if they have any space. My mums at work and wont be back until 3 tomorrow and I cant walk there so I have to hope he lasts until tomorrow afternoon :(

[babyboos]

Oh Matt that is distressing news I hope it is not Wet Tail but you are doing the right thing getting in touch with the vet and I hope you do get a chance to see him tomorrow afternoon. Can you tell us a little about Fudge - when/where did you get him? How old is he? does the discharge have a smell? Are his eyes dry and half closed? Is his tongue swollen? Does he take any of the water? Is he looking/feeling very thin?

[SnuggleHam]

Yikes! I hope its not wet tail and if it is let hope its not progressed to much so you can get him into see a vet on monday :(



My first gerbil I owned was named fudge. Anyway, please keep us updated.

[Matt]

I don't think it's wet tail. I caught him drinking from his bottle a few hours ago too. The other day i hamster proofed my room so he doesn't need a ball and just now I opened his cage on the floor and let him walk out freely, I wasnt expecting him to come out but he decided to stay out and dart around the room for 45 mins. He was perky, wide eyed, fast, adventerous and his backside wasn't messy at all. I know he did some cleaning prior to his room tour though. Also his poo isn't runny, it's like.. soft droppings?

Yes, the discharge smelt horrific for something so small. His eyes seem fine, he doesnt look thin, hes eating normally. I got him from Pets at home last august so hes about 11 months old?

He seems to be alot better but I am still taking him tomorrow for a check over, he also needs his teeth clipped (too scared to do it) so i need to go anyway. Wish me luck for tomorrow! I hope hes ok.

[babyboos]

Oh that does not sound like Wet Tail at all thank goodness - has he maybe eaten something different recently or had more fresh foods than normal? Ask the vet about prebiotics which should help restore his gut flora to healthy levels.

[Matt]

Ok, I woke up this morning and he was fine. No mess around his rear end or anything. Still took him to the vets anyway just so they could make sure. He just told us to keep an eye on him etc. We also got his teeth clipped while we were there. It cost just £2.50. I always worry about the vets charges.



Thankyou for your help guys <3

[Emma]

Wet tail is a pretty specific disease although it does sound like he had some diarrhoea - it sounds like it's cleared up at least. As babyboos said you could look into giving a pre/probiotic in the water (AviPro Plus is the one I use, should be available from your vet or online from http://www.noahs-cupboard.co.uk/) which helps keep the hamster's gut healthy and is a good idea after a bout of diarrhoea. Restriciting fresh food is also important.



Were his teeth causing him a problem eating or drinking? Ideally teeth should be burred, not clipped, as clipping leaves the tooth edge jagged which can cause problems with the soft tissues of the mouth and not wear the teeth evenly. Unless it is a serious problem (the hamster is unable/unwilling to eat/drink, it is hypersalivating, or teeth are growing into the soft tissues) I'd tend to leave teeth alone as often once you start trimming them, however you do it, you usually have to keep trimming them for the rest of the hamster's life. Sometimes one good burr can even them out and they will wear themselves, but often you need to keep trimming them.



Which vets did you go to - were you happy with them? (Just cos I live in Bristol too and I'm nosy!)

[Matt]

Fudge has a teeth problem. When I first got him I noticed he couldnt eat or drink properly so I took him to the vet and he said that his teeth dont align properly and he is unable to keep them trim so we now have to take him to the vets every now and then to get them clipped.



I go to Vale vets in Filton, I'm always happy with them since they are under new management. Which vets do you use?

[Emma]

Well, I'm a vet student so mostly I use myself :) or the university small animal practice in Langford when there's something I can't handle myself or I need help.



Of the "normal" practices in Bristol (there are so many!!) the one I've heard most positive things about with relation to small furries is Avenue. I know Vale is a huge group with lots of vets and branches, is there a particular vet there that you like?



One I would say to avoid is Rivervale, it's only a small place, I know the vet there and he is not good on small animals.



Hope Fudge continues to get better :)

[Matt]

I dont know the name of my vet. Hes a tall bloke, mid 40's? Hes seems very good. Theres a new vet in filton: vets4pets. Its meant to be quite good