Hamster diseases: symptoms and treatment. What signs should alert you?

Hamsters are perhaps one of the most charming pet rodents. There are many types of hamsters in the world, however, only some are kept as pets. For example, Syrian hamster, Roborovsky's hamster, Djungarian hamster, Campbell's hamster. They differ in size, color, behavior. Thanks to their funny habits and cheerful character, they manage to win the true love of their owners. But loving owners often do not suspect that hamster diseases are quite common.

Hamsters, like other rodents, are extremely sensitive to infectious diseases. Contact with a sick animal, unfavorable external environment, and improper care put the hamster's health at risk. The rapid metabolism of rodents contributes to the rapid development of the disease, and this creates additional difficulties in treatment.

Diseases of hamsters - oral cavity and skin

Boils. Hamster diseases

Hamster abscesses are a type of abrasion that appears mainly on the pads of hamsters' feet.

reasons - the exact cause of the appearance of abscesses has not been found, but veterinarians are inclined to mechanical injuries;
symptoms - the presence of abrasions on the pet’s paws, which are detected during a visual examination of the hamster;
treatment - most often, to eliminate abscesses in hamsters, doctors prescribe the use of ointments with zinc or fish oil, or preparations based on these components. Treatment of such a seemingly minor disease can take several months, since the pads are very sensitive and are constantly exposed to stress.

Anomalies of teeth. Hamster diseases

Anomalies of teeth in hamsters - all representatives of rodents have such a feature as the constant growth of their front teeth. Because of this, the animal’s bite may be disrupted and the teeth simply do not close. This already leads to digestive disorders, etc.

reasons - the cause of such anomalies may be genetic characteristics that imply accelerated tooth growth, or the cause may be a diet that contains very little solid food. The animal simply does not have time to grind down its teeth;
Diseases of hamsters often spread to the teeth; the most common symptoms of dental pathologies are increased salivation. The pet may refuse food, stop gnawing food;
treatment - to cure this type of pathology, you should not self-medicate, but seek help from a veterinarian. Often a procedure such as treating teeth with a drill is performed. If “hooks” appear on the teeth as a result of the disease, they should also be removed.

Inflammation of the cheek pouches. Hamster diseases

reasons - inflammation of the sacs occurs if there is any damage to them on the inside. Also, if food is constantly stored there, an inflammatory process may occur due to the interaction of tissues and fibers of the products;
symptoms - as a rule, symptoms of inflammation of the cheek pouches may be absent at all. But there may also be a decrease in appetite due to painful sensations;
treatment - it is possible to fix the inflammation only by contacting a veterinary center, since to examine the cheeks from the inside you need to turn them out correctly. If you do not have the necessary skills, you can cause discomfort to your pet. Inflammation is treated by removing remaining food and treating with bactericidal agents.

Hair loss in hamsters

Baldness in hamsters may be confused by some owners with lichen, since they are very similar upon visual inspection. The only difference

, which can clarify the picture is the presence of scales in areas of hair loss in cases of lichen, while in cases of baldness the skin remains smooth. You should not diagnose yourself; in any case, you should consult a veterinarian.

reasons - the causes of baldness in hamsters include the following factors: a decrease in the intake of vitamins and minerals in the body, frequent and severe stress in the pet;
symptoms - symptoms manifest themselves in hair loss, you can also notice apathy and lethargy in your pet;
treatment - if there is a lack of vitamins, they should be included in the hamster’s diet. If there is stress, it is necessary to exclude its occurrence.

Herpes in hamsters

Herpes in hamsters is an inflammation of the skin near the mucous tissues of the animal.

reasons - a hamster can become infected with herpes through contact with other hamsters;
symptoms - the disease occurs without any visible symptoms. It can be detected more often only during routine veterinary examinations;
treatment - this disease does not require special treatment and goes away on its own in one to two weeks, but in any case, consultation with a specialist is necessary to know exactly what ailment your pet has.

Trichomonosis. Hamster diseases.

Trichomoniasis in hamsters is a disease caused by the activity of a parasite from the Trichomonas gallinae family.

reasons - the parasite can enter your hamster’s body by drinking dirty water or bad food. Due to weak immunity, young people are especially more susceptible to trichomoniasis than adults;
symptoms - manifested in a yellowish tint of the pharynx. Subsequently, it increases in size, as if it swells and blocks access to oxygen;
treatment - carried out through the use of medications that should only be prescribed by a veterinarian. If you do not help your hamster in time, death is possible.

Conjunctivitis in hamsters

Conjunctivitis is also a disease of hamsters; it is a pathology associated with disruption of the mucous membrane of the eyes.

causes - bacterial infections or colds that cause complications;
symptoms - there may be copious discharge of mucus from the eyes;
treatment - doctors recommend rinsing the eye mucosa with salt water or using special drops.

Risk factors

Hamster breed

Any rodent can experience severe diarrhea, but some breeds are not susceptible to ileitis. For example, dwarf hamsters.

Among patients with “wet tail”, Syrian rodents with long hair are often found. When choosing a hamster breed, study its characteristics, including propensity and ileitis. It would be a good idea to consult with the breeder and veterinarian.

Extra attention

Desulfovibrio is a bacterium that often affects young hamsters under 8 weeks of age. Weak immunity is not able to resist the pathogen. It is worth paying attention to the health of a small animal before buying it from a nursery.

Handling is dangerous

Severe stress can trigger the appearance of a “wet tail.” This often affects young rodents that are taken from their mother before the age of two months. Strengthening the immune system of a young hamster occurs within a week in a new family.

Important! When buying a small animal, do not rush to handle it often. The hamster will need time to adapt.

Gastrointestinal diseases

Ileitis in hamsters occurs as a result of E. coli entering the body. Common reasons:

poor quality food;
non-compliance with terms and conditions of its storage;
irregular replacement of water in the drinking bowl;
wet and untreated litter.

Such conditions provide a favorable environment for the development of bacteria.

Wet tail is a consequence, not a cause

At best, severe diarrhea may be due to a less serious illness. However, ileitis is difficult to treat even under the supervision of a veterinarian.

The first symptoms should be a signal to contact a veterinary hospital. It will take a lot of time and effort to save a pet.

Digestive diseases in hamsters

Obesity in hamsters

Obesity in a hamster - an increase in the amount of subcutaneous fat in a hamster can have a bad effect on other organs, such as the heart. By nature, the hamster is a mobile animal and needs constant exercise.

reasons - a decrease in physical activity, often due to the fault of the owner, when living conditions do not meet the requirements;
symptoms - a visual increase in the fat layer in the hamster. Decreased overall activity
treatment - increasing the load, installing various treadmills and attractions in the cage. Monitoring caloric intake.

Colibacillosis. Hamster diseases

Colibacillosis in a hamster is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, which manifests itself in its disorder. Also, this disease is called “ wet tail ”. It has a bacterial origin. This intestinal pathology can confuse owners

, since in the early stages it is similar to other diseases that are not of a bacterial nature.

reasons - the presence of unfavorable bacteria in the body, which come from food or water;
symptoms - the main sign is the presence of diarrhea in a hamster. Subsequently, lack of appetite, water diarrhea, aggressive conditions, bleeding are connected;
treatment - colibacillosis can be cured only by following all the instructions and recommendations of a veterinarian. Most often, solutions containing electrolytes are used to improve the hydration process. Along with this, antibiotics are prescribed that stabilize the condition of the intestines. It is also necessary to adhere to a certain diet, which involves excluding certain foods from the diet.

Important! Colibacillosis can be transmitted to other individuals. Therefore, if you have other hamsters, they must be isolated from the infected pet.

E. coli is also a disease of hamsters

E. coli in hamsters is a disease that causes significant discomfort to the pet, even death. It is infectious in nature. As the disease progresses, the intestinal flora of the infected hamster changes due to the activity of the microbe.

reasons - penetration of an animal microbe into the body;
symptoms - signs of E. coli are a high body temperature in the animal and the presence of bloody diarrhea during bowel movements;
treatment - the disease in most cases ends in death for the pet. It is very important to fix it in the early stages (which is very difficult, since it develops very quickly), in order to leave at least some chance of recovery.

Enteritis in a hamster

Enteritis in hamsters affects the organs responsible for normal digestion of the animal.

reasons - doctors call the main factor in the development of enteritis, the lack of hay in the diet;
symptoms: bloating and diarrhea;
treatment looks specific. The feces of a healthy animal are taken, mixed in water and administered as an enema to the patient. It is also recommended to include hay in the diet to improve digestion.

Poisoning - diseases of hamsters

reasons: poor quality of food consumed, presence of household chemicals on food products. Dirty or stagnant water;
symptoms: loss of appetite, lethargy. Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting;
treatment - a veterinarian should prescribe treatment based on the results of the examinations. It is important to distinguish poisoning from a viral infection. Failure to seek help in a timely manner can result in death.

Features of care

At the first suspicion of infection, a sick hamster must be separated from other individuals. They should also be temporarily moved to a separate cage, and the previous one should be disinfected. Any chlorine-containing solution is suitable for this purpose.

After treatment, the rodents' house should be thoroughly rinsed with clean water. All installed equipment – toys, feeders, drinking bowls – also require disinfection.

The cage of a sick individual should always be dry and warm. The temperature in the room is 21-26°C without drafts. Carry out daily cleaning with changing bedding.

All hygiene measures must be carried out with gloves, since bacteria can pass through the owner’s hands to healthy animals. During the period of treatment and recovery, vegetables and fruits should be excluded from the hamster’s diet. It is better to offer your pet grain food - wheat, oats, rye.

Diseases of the genitourinary system in hamsters

Cystitis in a hamster

Cystitis in a hamster is a disease that affects the genitourinary system

Causes - The causes of cystitis can be both mechanical damage and nutritional disorders. It is also possible that the disease may appear due to the lack of the proper amount of water in the diet;
symptoms include frequent urination and increased anxiety;
treatment is carried out by using drugs such as buscopan. If after a course of taking medications the condition does not improve, it is necessary to re-diagnose using x-rays.

Prevention

To prevent infection of the hamster family with proliferative ileitis, the following rules should be followed:

A new individual must be quarantined for 14 days.
Buy a hamster only from trusted breeders.
Adjust the diet based on the advice of your veterinarian.
Choose natural food without chemical additives.
Clean the cage every day. Pet hygiene procedures – once a week.
Disinfection of housing and equipment - every 14 days.
Eliminate stressful situations and fear of the animal.

Some breeders add antibiotics to the water for preventive purposes. But this is absolutely impossible to do, because such drugs do not protect against infection, but will only distort the clinical picture of the disease.

In addition, antibiotics disrupt the gastrointestinal tract, which in itself can lead to a wet tail in your pet due to diarrhea.

Hamster diseases - diseases of the nervous system

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis in hamsters

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis in hamsters is a very serious disease that is infectious in nature. Affects all organs.

reasons - an animal can become infected through contact with a sick individual. The main carriers of this disease are mice;
symptoms - appear almost immediately and are expressed in general weakness, difficulty breathing, body temperature increases;
treatment is a disease, unfortunately incurable. If your pet has become a victim of lymphocytic choriomeningitis, measures should be taken to euthanize the hamster. This is the only way to put him out of his misery.

Important! All hygiene rules must be followed; this disease can be transmitted to humans.

Aujeszky's disease - what is important to know about this disease of hamsters

Aujeszky's disease - this disease is often called “false rabies”, since they have similar symptoms.

reasons - the causative agent of this disease is a virus that affects the entire nervous system of the hamster;
symptoms - signs of the disease do not appear immediately, but only after two to three weeks after infection. The disease manifests itself in increased excitability of the animal and the presence of itching;
treatment - it is possible to cure Aujeszky's disease only in the early stages, if the disease is advanced, the virus covers the hamster's vocal cords, provokes the development of laryngeal paralysis, as a result of which the animal dies.

Traditional methods of treatment

Traditional methods can be quite effective in treating human diseases, but with animals the situation is different. Not all recipes that help people are suitable for animals, so you need to be very careful. If you are sick, it is better to consult a veterinarian, but if this is not possible, then you can try using a decoction of grain crops (barley and oats are most often used). This remedy will help stop the diarrhea, and then there should be enough time to take the patient to a veterinary clinic. Traditional methods are aimed at eliminating symptoms and gaining time, and not at fighting the cause.

Other diseases of hamsters

Tumor in a hamster

A tumor in a hamster is a disease caused by the appearance of a neoplasm in the body in the form of a malignant tumor.

The reasons are genetic predisposition. Some foods may have a positive effect on the development of cancer in hamsters. Older individuals also have a tendency;
symptoms - signs depend on the location of the tumor, they can be different organs, and symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, impaired movement, interruptions in the functioning of the body in general, etc.;
treatment - involves the removal of a malignant neoplasm, but only if necessary.

Hamster heart disease

A hamster has heart disease - characterized by interruptions in the functioning of this organ. They are quite rare in hamsters.

reasons - the presence of severe stress or high air temperature, which affects the regulation of the heart muscle;
symptoms - shortness of breath, high pulse, apathy and decreased activity;
treatment - in the first stages of treatment, it is recommended to change the conditions of the hamster’s keeping. If this does not help, and the condition only worsens, you need to administer an injection of Effortil. Again, all treatment is prescribed strictly individually. Self-medication should be excluded.

Colds are also a hamster disease

reasons - may be hypothermia or the effect of a virus;
symptoms - general weakness, sneezing, nasal discharge, discharge from the eyes;
treatment - it is recommended to give pets fruits that are saturated with liquid to prevent dehydration. If colds are started, they can develop into more serious ones.

First aid

To maintain immunity, treat your rodent with vitamins. Add a water solution of echinacea to your drink. Infusions of coltsfoot and nettle leaves help with sneezing and coughing. Inject the liquid into your mouth with a syringe or pour it into a drinking bowl. Buy vitamin drops at the pet store and mix them into your food.

Treatment of a runny nose in a hamster involves cleaning the nose with a swab soaked in furatsilin or a 2% solution of boric acid or chamomile decoction. Try instilling streptocide. Dissolve half the tablet in a glass of water, irrigate the mucous membrane with one drop three times a day.

Disinfectant liquids are also suitable for washing watery eyes. For purulent conjunctivitis, use eye drops "Albucid" or "Floxal", "Tobrex" with antibiotics. Through the nasolacrimal duct, the medicine enters the nose and has a therapeutic effect.

Worm infestation

Furry animals, like any other, are at risk of becoming infected with intestinal parasites. This is an unpleasant disease, but it is curable. Common types of internal parasites are tapeworms and roundworms. Their habitat is the intestines. Simple rules will ensure your pet is protected from worms:

Maintain the correct feeding regimen.
Choose only proven food.
Avoid contact with infected animals.

Most often the disease is asymptomatic. But an attentive owner will definitely notice changes in the behavior and condition of the animal. Wet, greasy hair, weight loss with increased appetite, and upset bowel movements indicate the presence of parasites. You can treat helminthic infestation at home. It is not necessary to involve a doctor in this. To get rid of it, a course of deworming medications is enough. Choose medications that are specifically designed for rodents.

How can you tell if your pet is sick?

If your pet is sick, he may experience the following changes:

apathy and lethargy;
no appetite;
the wool has become tangled, has lost its shine, is falling out or matted;
there is discharge from the eyes and nose;
pollution near the anus;
constipation and gastrointestinal disorders;
severe nervousness and aggression of the animal;
temperature.

Since hamsters have a very fast metabolism, the first symptoms and signs of illness are immediately visible. At the same time, the deterioration of the condition also occurs quickly, which is why it is very important to provide the pet with the necessary help and treatment in a timely manner.

Baldness

Baldness (alopecia) is a consequence of vitamin deficiency. Often occurs in winter due to prolonged feeding of dry food. In this case, no medical procedures are necessary. Baldness goes away quickly when the animal begins to eat green food. Therefore, caring owners should prepare green complementary foods for the winter and store them in the freezer.

Hamsters go bald for various reasons. The most likely is a lack of vitamins.

Sometimes owners are concerned about dark spots on the sides of the hamster's skin. But this is not a disease. The lateral glands are sometimes marked with excessive pigmentation, and this does not affect the health of the pet.

When to sound the alarm

How to understand that a hamster is sick. If the animal is healthy, it is active, it has smooth shiny fur, clear, clean eyes and a good appetite. But if you notice that your pet is behaving unusually, take immediate action. Your hamster is sick if some of the following symptoms are noticeable:

eats poorly or refuses food altogether;
eyes become watery or festering;
frequent loose stools;
constipation, dry stool or no stool at all;
blood dripping from the anus;
difficulty or hoarse breathing, cough;
nasal discharge or excessive drooling;
wet or dull, matted fur;
ulcers, wounds, peeling skin, bald spots on the skin;
tumors, bloating;
lethargy, low mobility;
the hamster is trembling, although the room is warm.

An animal's underweight may also be a sign of illness. To find out if your pet is sick, weigh your pet periodically. The weight of an adult Syrian is about 90 g, the weight of a Djungarian is at least 30 g.

Metabolic disorders

Metabolism is the proper functioning of all body systems. Food processing, energy production, removal of unnecessary and harmful products. The central nervous system is responsible for all this, but the glands that secrete hormones have a huge influence on metabolic processes. These include the thyroid and pancreas, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and gonads. Poor nutrition, poor environment, and hereditary factors affect the functioning of these organs. Violation of their normal functioning leads to a malfunction of the body as a whole. Diseases of Djungarian hamsters are often associated with metabolic disorders.

Diabetes mellitus can develop due to excessive consumption of carbohydrates. Hereditary predisposition to the disease also plays a role. You can find out that a hamster has contracted this disease by the characteristic smell of acetone, which comes from the rodent's saliva and urine. But only a doctor can make a final diagnosis by doing a blood test. Prevention of disease in Djungarian hamsters is a balanced diet, eliminating sugar from the diet, good care and an active lifestyle.

Stroke can also be classified as a disease that occurs due to metabolic disorders. With age and as a result of poor nutrition, cholesterol plaques are deposited on the walls of blood vessels, which prevent the normal passage of blood. At some point, the plaques completely block the vessel, it bursts, and hemorrhage occurs.

If your hamster is shaking or having convulsions, the end is probably near.

Sometimes attentive owners are concerned that the rodent has a yellow sore on its stomach. In fact, this is a scent gland, with the help of which the male marks his territory.