"When should I go to the vet?"

[Izzie]

It's very upsetting to me that many, MANY of the hamsters that we see at work are brought in either near death or dead-on-arrival. I've been working in veterinary offices for over a decade as a receptionist and veterinary technicians' assistant. I've been trained to provide "phone triage" - that is, try to determine if a patient is experiencing a medical emergency, by phone. So, for the benefit of the forum, I'll let you in on my criterion for what constitutes a veterinary emergency for a hamster and the reasons. This is in NO WAY meant to be used as a diagnosis guide. I have no formal medical training - only on the job training and experience. This is not a comprehensive list but just some of the most common presenting complaints. Please, excuse my American spelling.

Gastrointestinal 'upset': your hamster has "wet tail", you see diarrhea or your hamster is hunched up, curled awkwardly or moving slowly, has a lack of appetite or is lethargic. It is important to note that hamsters have "hind-gut fermentation" - like rabbits and guinea pigs. Abrupt changes in the bacterial fauna of their digestive tract can disrupt their digestion causing RAPID SHOCK AND DEATH. It is important to note here that "wet tail" is a symptom rather than a disease, and can be caused by contagious viral and bacterial infections, intestinal parasites, dietary changes (esp. high sugar foods), a low fibre diet, oral antibiotics, periods of starvation and/or stress. Also, oral antibiotics should always be paired with probiotics. Have your hamster seen by a veterinarian immediately if your hamster shows any of these symptoms. They can die within hours. Note: hamsters, as hind-gut fermentors, also produce cecotropes (or "night-stools") which are softer, larger, partially-digested stools which they reingest. Watch for these so that you know what they look like and don't mistake them for diarrhea. Hamsters must eat these to get all the nutrients out of their food.

Cat Attack: no matter how superficial the wounds may appear, these should always receive prompt veterinary attention. Most cats carry the Pasterella multocida bacteria. Wounds should receive veterinary treatment within 12 - 24 hours. Waiting to see if it gets infected will only make treatment more risky and difficult. I've been scratched and bitten enough times to know that these always get infected. Also, puncture wounds are worse than they appear, as most of the damage is underneath the skin. They are very prone to developing into abscesses.

Fight wounds (from other hamsters): again, puncture and bite wounds are very likely to develop into abscesses if left untreated. Treatment of abscesses in hamsters is far more risky than early wound treatment. Hamsters are also prone to popping their eyes out of their sockets while fighting (may I just say...ewww). Needless to say, this also requires immediate veterinary attention.

Respiratory distress: sneezing, wheezing, lethargy, nasal or eye discharge, or rapid and/or laboured breathing. Respiratory infections may be caused by viral and/or bacterial infections. Other causes of respiratory distress include airborne pollutants from air fresheners, household cleaners, incense, scented candles or aromatic wood shavings. Heart failure can also cause respiratory symptoms and is treatable as well. Stressed or elderly hamsters or more vulnerable to respiratory illness and my develop a bacterial infection because their system is weakened. Early treatment is best and your hamster has likely been ill for a while before symptoms become noticeable.

Head tilt: tilting the head to one side, circling and/or loss of balance/falling over. This is often caused by an inner ear infection, and can be secondary to a respiratory infection. Although, there are many other potential causes. Again, this is often curable and/or manageable if treated early but treatment options become more limited if you wait to seek care.

Itching/Scratching/Hair loss: there are many possible causes - fungal, parasitic or bacterial skin infection, allergy or endocrine disorder (just to name a few). This should be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. There are no safe and effective mite treatments available without a prescription.

Dental disease: as you know, hamsters incisors are constantly growing. If they become improperly aligned though injury to the teeth or a congenital defect this can lead to serious problems. Signs of malocclusion include: lack of appetite, drooling or visibly overgrown teeth (like little tusks). The teeth can also curl over themselves or grow into your hamsters gums or the roof of the mouth. Depending on the cause and nature of the malocclusion this may require regular tooth trimming by your vet and treatment of any mouth wounds or infections. Chewing on hard objects such as wood or metal puts hamsters at high risk for dental malocclusion. Softer chew-toys, like cardboard, are advisable. Note: if your hamster stops eating due to dental disease it can cause a potentially fatal gastrointestinal upset (see above).

Trauma: I really wish I didn't have to say this, but I get too many calls to leave it out. If your hamster has been stepped on, squashed, dropped caught in cage or wheel bars is bleeding, limping, obviously injured or otherwise suffered physical trauma you should go to the vet. At the very least they can prescribe some pain medication. Studies have shown that pain does inhibit healing. And pain can contribute to a gastrointestinal upset (see above) as it often puts animals off their food and is extremely stressful.

Hypothermia: hamsters will hibernate at low temperatures. This is not healthy in captivity. Its a good idea to keep your hamsters cage in a room which is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, if your hamster appears dead, try warming her up gently in your hand. (this may seem obvious to many of you but, again, I get I LOT of calls).

Excessive thirst or urination: this may indicate diabetes or kidney insufficiency, among other things. Your vet may be able to determine the cause by performing a thorough physical exam and testing your hamsters blood glucose or urine protein content. There are two of the very few laboratory tests which can be performed on hamsters as a small sample is sufficient. Blood can be obtained by cutting the quick of the toenail.

Blood in urine: this can be caused by a bladder infection or an infection of the uterus. Hamsters can develop life-threatening systemic infections or urinary blockages, so take them to the vet if you see blood in the urine or in the fur around their vulva or urethra. Note: hamsters do not bleed during their estrous cycle.

Poor coat condition/lack of grooming: this is a sign of generally poor health and you should schedule an appointment with your vet. Poor-coat can be caused by illness, nutrient deficiencies or pain.

An important note: hamsters are prey animals. As such, they work VERY hard to hide signs of weakness, illness and vulnerability (even from their loving owners) to avoid being eaten. A general rule of thumb is this: if you can tell that something isn't right with your hamster he or she is already very, very sick and should be seen by a veterinarian ASAP.