Valdes says, adding that because hamsters have a very short lifespan of about 3 years, they qualify as middle-aged at around 1-1.5 years old. “These problems are infrequently seen, although some hamsters can be genetically predisposed to diabetes.”įor aging hamsters, cancers are common, Dr. “Most congenital problems are self-limiting in that you will see a hamster do poorly with a genetic problem and not be able to breed or continue on their line,” she explains. Thankfully most genetic problems are bred out of hamsters naturally, Dr. In addition to improper care contributing to illness in hamsters, poor genetics and old age can factor in. Do not attempt this on your own.” Other Causes of Hamster Ailments “This must be done every 21-30 days when malocclusion is present. “The teeth can be trimmed or filed to the appropriate length under anesthesia at the veterinarian’s office,” Dr. If they are not worn down properly, they can overgrow and cause severe problems. Like all rodents, your hamster’s front teeth (incisors) grow throughout their lives. Consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. If you find lumps and bumps in other areas of your hamster’s body, however, these swellings might be associated with abscesses or tumors, Dr. To the casual observer, your hamster’s filled cheek pouches might look like abnormal growths, but this is normal behavior for these scavengers. Valdes recommends cleaning any wounds with dilute Betadine (antiseptic solution) and contacting your veterinarian. After separating the fighting hamsters, Dr. These territorial rodents may fight among themselves resulting in bite wounds. Additional signs include matted tail fur, a hunched stance and irritability. Most common in longhaired and teddy bear hamsters, wet tail is a bacterial infection that causes watery diarrhea and dehydration. “It can dehydrate and kill a small animal very quickly.” Wet Tail “Diarrhea is a very serious problem,” Dr. Whether the diarrhea is caused by diet or by something else, if it lasts longer than a day, contact your veterinarian. Valdes recommends that you “stop feeding the new diet item immediately to see if the problem clears up.” One of the most frequent causes of diarrhea is introducing a new hamster food, including vegetables. “It could be caused by skin parasites, bacterial infections, fungal disease and allergic reactions to bedding,” Dr. If you notice your hamster’s hair thinning, consider seeing a vet. These are the most common problems hamsters experience, according to Dr. The following symptoms may indicate that your hamster feels unwell. It’s also essential to know the signs of a sick hamster so you know what to look for. Therefore, it’s critical that pet parents observe their hamster’s normal appearance and behavior so they quickly notice even subtle changes that might indicate illness. “Hamsters hide signs of sickness for as long as they can,” says Kristin Valdes, DVM, an exotic vet at Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital in Skokie, Ill. If you don’t know what to look for, you might miss important signs of a sick hamster.Įven if you’re on top of your hamster health knowledge and well aware of sick hamster symptoms, you may not realize you hamster feels unwell. Hamsters are sturdy little animals, but poor care, an incorrect diet and an unhealthy environment can cause illnesses and even lead to death. They also have full, shiny coats and bright eyes. Healthy hamsters normally eat well, groom themselves, run and play.
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