Common Diseases and Disorders in Hamsters

Common Diseases and Disorders in Hamsters

As a pet parent, wanting our pets to be happy and healthy always is what we wish for. But unfortunately, our pets, just like humans tend to fall sick. Seeing our pet hamster sick is a difficult sight, but most of the hamster health issues are curable if caught in time.

Here are some common health diseases in hamsters:

  1.   Wet Tail:

Wet tail is a common name for name for serious bacterial infections in hamsters. It generally impacts hamsters in the age group of 3-10 weeks old. Stress is the main reason for developing this disease.

Diarrhea is the main symptom in this condition, leading to wet fur & stomach. Decreased appetite & weight loss are also some common symptoms, and unfortunately this disease is fatal.

  1.    Mites & Parasites:

This is one of the most common diseases in hamsters. If a hamster has bacterial or viral infection, the immune systems battle with these diseases make them vulnerable to parasites. Hamsters that have mites on their body only start to show symptoms when the infestation becomes acute and the immune system starts to weaken.

  1.  Respiratory Diseases:

Respiratory Diseases in Hamsters can have various causes. Some of the most common ones are cold, bronchitis & pneumonia. These can be caused through exposure in cold. The sounds of a hamster coughing are different than humans coughing. It will be squeaking noises and different than their usual sound.

  1. Digestive Problems:

Diarrhea and Constipation are symptoms of gastrointestinal problems in a hamster. They are two completely opposite health problems.

In case of Diarrhea, the animal’s stools are overly soft or even liquid. In case of Constipation, there will be a lack of excrement in the hamster’s cage.

  1.   Cuts & Scrapes:

Like humans, hamsters can also get little cuts & scrapes in their day-to-day life. In case you notice a cut on your hamster, look for the place it got a cut from so you can remove the danger of your hamster getting a cut again. If it is a little cut you can use lukewarm water on a cotton ball and dab it to clean the wound. If it is a huge cut and your hamster won’t stop bleeding, it is time to take your pet to the veterinarian.

  1. Abscesses:

Hamsters can develop infections & and at times, that cause abscess to form. It can form in any part of the body, including mouth. They begin as small bumps which start to protrude more due to reaction in hamster’s immune system. Abscesses are different from tumors & are caused by bacterial infection.

  1.    Eye infections:

Irritation in eye can cause the hamster to scratch the eye, resulting in more trauma and introducing bacteria in the affected eye. The cause of an eye problem can be injury from a sharp substrate, dust, injury from another hamster or any kind of bacterial infection.

  1.  Tumor or Cancer:

One of the biggest threats to a hamster is cancer. There are many factors related to cancer in hamsters, but age is perhaps the most important. Older hamsters are much more likely to develop cancer.

Hamsters are prone to developing tumors, but fortunately, most are non-cancerous. They can also develop fatty tumors as well as growth in their brain, mammary, glands & uterus. Check your hamsters for lumps & bumps, especially when they grow older.

Providing your Hamster a balanced diet, providing them a safe. Since hamsters are mostly active at night, some of these symptoms can be missed out. Ensure to take them for their regular veterinarian appointments.

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