Recognizing Disease in Hamsters

Because hamsters are very small, nocturnal (night-active) and not closely observed, the early signs of illness are frequently overlooked or not noted at all. Hamster owners must be constantly vigilant for signs of illness and must seek immediate veterinary assistance when illness is suspected.

Sick hamsters often become irritable and frequently bite. They are usually reluctant to move about and walk stiffly when forced to do so. Their eyes often look dull and sunken, and frequently have a discharge. Sick hamsters often stop eating or greatly reduce their intake of food. Consequently, weight loss is a common sign (not necessarily an easy one to recognize) of illness in hamsters. Fluid losses from diarrhoea also may cause marked weight loss. Sudden intestinal disease (with accompanying diarrhoea) is the most common illness of hamsters, especially between those being weaned or recently weaned. If the serious accompanying dehydration is not recognized immediately and corrected with appropriate fluid therapy at the direction of a veterinarian, death is probable.

Teeth Problems

The incisor (front, gnawing) teeth grow continuously for the life of the hamster (this is true for all rodents). They receive continuous wear as the uppers and lowers contact each other, preventing overgrowth. Misalignment of either the upper or lower incisors because of previous injury, abscess formation or malnutrition may result in overgrowth of one or more of the teeth. Overgrown incisor teeth usually cause serious injury to the roof of the mouth. Sometimes the lower incisors actually grow through the roof of the mouth and into the nasal cavity!

Initial signs of this problem are in appetence and drooling. Total lack of eating, weight loss, and a foul odour from the mouth may be noted later. These signs often are completely overlooked.

A veterinarian must carefully trim the overgrown incisors and extract them from the roof of the mouth. Antibiotics are prescribed because of the high probability of infection following this type of injury. Periodic trimming of the incisors is usually necessary for the remainder of the hamster's life.

Some popular hamster houses made of plastic had holes in the horizontal and vertical tubes originating on the main rectangular enclosure. Hamsters frequently caught and broke their incisors in these holes in the plastic. The manufacturer has since made the holes smaller, and this injury is seen less frequently now

Trauma

Hamsters are easily injured. They are frequently dropped while being handled (especially by children), or after they bite. Pet hamsters allowed "free in of the house" (even for very short periods) are often stepped on or kicked and seriously injured or killed.

Hamsters are frequently injured while inside an "exercise ball." This is a clear plastic sphere that is propelled along the floor by the action of the hamster running inside it. Injuries occur when a person accidentally kicks the ball or when it falls down a flight stairs. Hamsters often perish when they are forgotten and left in these devices without food and water.

In spite of the clever design and obvious benefits this device, hamster owners must continually supervise its use. Parents must be made aware by their children that it is in use. Above all, hamsters shouldn't be forgotten while inside these devices.

Trauma may result in broken bones and/or serious internal injuries or death. A fall of over just a foot or more may result in a broken back, for which there is practical treatment

A veterinarian should immediately examine injured hamsters. Broken bones are very difficult to manage. Often an appliance (splint, etc.) to mobilize the broken bone will not be applied because of the sometimes-greater problems they impose on the broken limb. The veterinarian will determine the best course of action in each situation.

Wet Tail

The most serious intestinal disease of hamsters is "wet tail." The bacterium suspected of causing this disease is called Lawsonia intracellularis, which can also cause intestinal disease in swine, dogs, ferrets, primates and other animals.

This disease most often afflicts hamsters of weaning age (3-6 weeks old), but hamsters of all ages are susceptible. Since weanling hamsters and those slightly older are commonly sold in pet stores, wet tail is a fairly common disease among recently acquired hamsters. Longhaired "teddy bear" hamsters re highly susceptible to wet tail. Signs include lethargy, inappetence, unkempt hair coat, sunken, dull eyes, increased irritability, hunched posture, very fluid diarrhoea, and a wet, soiled anal area and tail. Blood from the rectum and protrusion of the rectal opening (prolapse) may be noted in particularly serious cases.

Hamsters with wet tail must be immediately examined and evaluated by a veterinarian. Fluid replacement, oral anti-diarrheal medication, and antibiotics will be given, along with supportive care to keep the patient warm, clean, comfortable and well nourished. Treatment is often unrewarding, and death may occur as soon as 48 hours after the onset of initial signs. This disease is not transmissible to people.