Hamster Wet Tail

1 Symptoms

Watery, gray-white, foul-smelling diarrhea soils the rear and tail (hence the name). The hamster loses appetite, looks dull, and hunches when moving or sitting; severe cases bleed or prolapse the rectum. It is serious — death from dehydration in 2 to 3 days.

2 Treatment

Rehydrate and give an anti-diarrhea medicine; keep it warm and clean. Diluted glucose water helps with fluids and strength, in moderation.

A gentamicin injection can ease diarrhea; dilute 1:30 and give by mouth; effects show in days. Ask a vet first to avoid reactions.

During treatment feed mild food — no fresh fruit or vegetables (they worsen diarrhea); use oatmeal or special hamster mix.

Wet tail is an acute, highly contagious, high-mortality enteritis; isolate the sick hamster at once and disinfect the cage with fresh bedding.

It strikes at weaning, environment change, bad diet, dirty housing or high stress; minimize stress. Consult an online vet if unsure.