Hamster Problems - Wet Tail Infection
Hamster Ailments - Severe Diarrohea, Not Eating or Drinking
May 15, 2009
Wet Tail is caused by e.coli bacteria; it is a stress related illness which commonly affects young hamsters (it is usually seen in hamsters under 8 weeks of age). It mainly affects Syrian hamsters, but on rare occasions can affect dwarf hamsters too. It can be caused by the change of surroundings to a new cage, or when the hamster is being separated from its mother, but the most frequent cause of wet tail is unhygienic cage conditions.
How to Help Prevent Wet Tail
It is important when purchasing a new hamster to ensure that its cage is prepared before the hamster is brought home. The hamster should be given a day or two to become acclimatised to the new cage without too much disturbance to reduce stress.
Symptoms of Wet Tail
A hamster suffering from wet tail will have severe diarrohea caused by a bacterial infection or an bacterial imbalance in the hamster's stomach. The problem will be very extreme and the tail of the hamster will appear as though it had been soaked in water. The hamster will usually omit an unpleasant odour. If allowed to go untreated, the hamster will become weak and will be in pain.
Wet tail can be a fatal illness if not detected immediately. It is vital that a hamster which has contracted wet tail be kept away from any other animals, and be in an exceptionally clean cage. If the hamster is still eating and drinking then you have caught the disease quickly, but still seek veterinary attention straight away.
If the hamster is not eating or drinking then there is a chance that it may die of dehydration, so ring your veterinary surgery immediately.
Tretment of Wet Tail
A vet should be able to prescribe a course of antibiotics and something to help re-hydrate the hamster. Do not disturb the hamster when it is undergoing treatment except to clean out the cage (which should be done every 3-4 days), as disturbing the hamster too much may cause further stress. Make sure that you thoroughly sterilise the water bottle, food bowl and cage. Unfortunately, treatment of wet tail is not guaranteed to be successful.
Wet tail is an infectious disease, so do always wash your hands after handling the infected hamster, and make sure that it is alone in the cage. If a hamster has died of wet tail, then it is advisable to dispose of the cage. With it being a contagious disease there is always the chance that the bacteria may be passed onto a new hamster using the cage (or food bowls or water bottles).
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