New hamster with wet tail

[dreamtree1234]

I'm thrilled that you are continuing to get excellent news on Sparky's recovery. Hopefully, that will continue to be the case, and he will be home with you soon. Fingers crossed!

I'm glad that I could help. Take care and best of luck to you both. Hugs.

[livedinhogwarts]

@dreamtree1234

I'm also thrilled. Hopefully that's the case! ^_^

Thanks you and little Eros take care too. Hugs.

[Pebbles82]

So pleased Sparky is improving I just posted on your other thread about cleaning but noticed a few recommendations above too. Just to point out that vinegar isn't a disinfectant though. It kills some bugs but not all. It's a good cleaner but not a reliable disinfectant.

Also - it is nothing you have done. As I understand it, it takes 7 days for symptoms of wet tail to show so he already had it when you got him, which is common. It can also be genetic and some are more prone than others to going down with it under stress (and the changes he's had before he came to you would have been stressful). Might be an idea to check the things for your cage and set up are all fine as well before he goes in it so you don't have to change too many things in it afterwards. You mentioned having a flat wheel - assume that's a flying saucer wheel. For a Syrian it needs to be a 12" one - they can't run properly on the smaller ones. I take it your hammy is a syrian! If he isn't then it probably isn't wet tail.

[dreamtree1234]

Serendipity, thanks for clarifying concerning whether or not vinegar is strong enough to use as a disinfectant. I really appreciate you sharing this here as I wasn't 100% positive, but it was given as a successful option on the internet so I just mentioned it. Your expertise in this matter is greatly appreciated as I definitely wouldn't want Sparky's cage to not be disinfected enough and he has a second bout of wet tail as a result. Thanks again for sharing.

Livedinhogwarts, I hope that Sparky is continuing to improve even more each day. Best wishes to you both. Hugs!

[livedinhogwarts]

@Serendipity7000

I'm really pleased too Thank you for taking out the time and effort with that other post; the recommendations and advice have really helped. I used vinegar solution to initially clean the cage before I disinfect it, but I'm going to use a pet disinfectant to disinfect the cage to be safe. Thanks for letting me know ^_^

I understand that there were other factors which likely contributed to Sparky's wet tail, but they did a health check on him at the shop I bought him from, although maybe the symptoms weren't showing then. I'm just concerned that the stress I put him under could have worsened his condition

I plan to fully set up his cage before he returns and make any changes to the set up which I have to. Sparky's wheel is a flying saucer wheel. I just didn't know the right name for it at the time haha xD As I mentioned in the post on my other thread, the wheel is 8". As he's only 11 weeks, I was wondering if he would be able to use it until he's a little older and needs an upgrade.

You also assumed correct! Sparky is a furry Syrian hamster haha

@dreamtree1234

Thanks! I'm so glad Sparky has improved so much, and hopefully he continues to improve even further with each day. Hugs!

[dreamtree1234]

How is Sparky doing now? Since I believe it has been the five days needed for the vet to observe his condition, I was just wondering if Sparky will be able to come home or do they feel they need to keep him longer for observation? I hope he is doing well, and you get the greatest news. Hugs!

[livedinhogwarts]

@dreamtree1234

I actually have a great update for everyone who's been following this thread! Sparky has fully recovered and we collected him from the vets just today He seems to be a bit sleepy and is currently curled up in a ball sleeping but is doing great. Hopefully he settles in really well this time round! Thanks so much for all your help and well wishes throughout this time; I appreciate them so much and I'm very grateful. I'm also very grateful and appreciative to everyone who has been following this thread and helping me throughout all of this. Hugs!

[dreamtree1234]

Aww, bless sweet Sparky for fighting so hard to come back to you! Congrats on the receiving such excellent news. I am so thrilled and wish you both many years of creating treasured memories together. Hugs!

[cypher]

That's really great news, so glad to hear you have Sparky back.

[livedinhogwarts]

@dreamtree1234

Yes, bless my little hammy Sparky. He fought for a long time, but now he's finally better ^_^ Thanks for the kind words. I hope you have many years of wonderful memories with Eros too Hugs!

@cypher

Thanks! I'm really glad too ^_^