Antibiotic-induced diarrhoea?

septemberpeach · 06-12-2011, 12:03 PM

Our hamster has had a problem with diarrhoea. We took him to the vet and got Baytril which we've been giving him 0.01 once a day. It's the third day. He's improved in himself greatly and is now very bright and eating well (has been eating throughout). We think he's drinking from his bottle at night and is getting some fluids from a 2/3 tsp boiled rice and 1/2 tsp porridge we've been giving him in the day. We're putting a bit of avipro probiotic powder on the rice. I've tried the scruff test and think he isn't dehyrdated.

His poos were getting firmer but at a painfully slow rate and now the sad news is he has runny diarrhoea in his nest since we gave him the baytril this morning. It smells different than the previous diarrhoea (It was never very pungent but wasn't pleasant, the 'new' runny poo though doesn't smell much at all). My instincts are telling me this is antibiotic induced. We wondered whether anyone might have some advice to help us decide how to proceed? It's breaking our hearts a little.

edit - Sorry I meant to put this in healthcare but accidently added it here. I'm happy for post to be moved if need be

souffle · 06-12-2011, 12:39 PM

I'm sorry to hear he isn't well.
How long has he had the diahorroea? Sometimes the bowel can become damaged and the problem does not resolve even though the infection has gone. It normally takes a few days for the meds to become effective. Try and get him eating normal hamster food rather than the mushy stuff and also give the avipro abot 6hrs after the meds. Keep his botty clean and also his nest so he doesn't reinfect all the time. It it persists for more than overnight I would call the vet as there other meds that they can give. Septrin is OK for hams too and he may tolerate this better.
I hope he pulls through for you xx

septemberpeach · 06-12-2011, 12:48 PM

Thanks Souffle

He's had the diarrhoea since tuesday. He's been on the meds for 3 days. Was getting better and now suddenly worse. He's eating his normal food (harry hamster) but we gave him the mushy foods for fear he wasn't drinking enough. We'll stop these if you think best?

We've written another post about his progress but it's a bit long I'm afraid

could use your help asap - health decision

We will recontact the vet. Any thoughts you have would be hugely appreciated.

souffle · 06-12-2011, 01:05 PM

Perhaps reduce it slightly and see if it helps. Arrowroot powder can help diahoraoea. You get it in the baking section of the supermarket and should mix a little into the porridge. You can also get arrowroot biscuits and give him a little piece. I would call the vet though and explain the situation as they can go downhill with this very quickly.

septemberpeach · 06-12-2011, 01:11 PM

Thanks for your quick response, that's helpful. We'll give the vets a call.

Gillzy · 06-12-2011, 01:54 PM

Hope he's alright. Sending get well vibes. x

connor1106 · 06-12-2011, 02:11 PM

hi im new to this site but was looking for some help my daughters hamster has got diarrhea and im unsure what to do she is getting herself in a mess she is very greedy and keeps trying to eats lots so i have removed her food i think she is still drinking she was being given soem treats and fear she may of been over fed can anyone give me any advice please

septemberpeach · 06-15-2011, 01:32 PM

Just a quick post to say our hammy's doing well, been very brave and thanks for your help. He's hoping to say a proper hello in the introductions soon. x

Humphrey Furball · 06-15-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by connor1106

hi im new to this site but was looking for some help my daughters hamster has got diarrhea and im unsure what to do she is getting herself in a mess she is very greedy and keeps trying to eats lots so i have removed her food i think she is still drinking she was being given soem treats and fear she may of been over fed can anyone give me any advice please

sorry to hear your hammie is poorly; it is worth consulting a vet as soon as possible, as with this type of illness they can go down-hill very quickly; the earlier you seek treatment the better - I'm no expert but it would be a good idea to create your own new thread to get more specific replies; go to the navigation box (top left of screen), click on forum, then on hamster healthcare, and near the top of the screen you will see "new thread" - click on that, and describe your problem; there are some really experienced members who may be able to offer advice; hope your hammie is OK.

PS I think it takes a little while for new member's posts to appear at first, something to do with the moderator process I think??