Most people assume that it’s easy to care for pet hamsters. However, the reality is that there are some challenges. Hamsters are susceptible to many health problems and diseases. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most noteworthy. Several of these are minor conditions and very treatable. Others may be rarer but can be devastating if owners don’t act quickly!
1. Wet Tail: Caused by Intestinal Bacteria
Wet tail is one of the most notorious hamster diseases. New hamster owners should be wary of this. In short, this is when a bacterium infects the gut and can be very severe. Loose diarrhea is the main symptom, with the hamster inadvertently dragging its tail through it. This gives the condition its name. Sometimes, there may even be traces of blood in the discharge.
Stress is the most common cause of wet tail, and, usually, this is the result of poor husbandry. It’s crucial to provide the correct living conditions and diet for your hamster. This will drastically reduce the risk of them contracting this disease. A vet will usually prescribe antibiotics, but this doesn’t guarantee that your rodent will recover. Unfortunately, this hamster disease has a high mortality rate.
2. Lymphoma: A Type of Cancer
This is one of the most common hamster cancers. Usually, a type of polyomavirus triggers lymphoma in pet hamsters. The mortality rate in young hamsters is 80 percent, usually happening four to 30 weeks after the infection, according to Viruses. Symptoms will include lethargy and weight loss. An affected hamster may suffer from diarrhea and have neoplasia, too.
Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to treat lymphoma in hamsters, so euthanasia is usually the kindest option. There are reports of some hamsters receiving successful chemotherapy, but this is very physically taxing on the animal and expensive. Most local vets won’t have access to the specialized equipment needed, either.
3. Pneumonia: A Serious Respiratory Condition
Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) is relatively uncommon in hamsters. It usually happens in conjunction with other health conditions. It’s serious, but the good news is that it’s also treatable if owners act quickly. Signs of this condition include lethargy, ooze from the nose, and cloudy eyes.
In addition to seeking veterinary help, it’s important to keep your pet comfortable and give it plenty of fluids. A vet will prescribe antibiotics, which are more successful in less severe cases. Hamsters have high mortality rates when they suffer from hard-hitting diseases, so you should do everything possible to prevent pneumonia. This involves regularly cleaning their cage, offering a proper diet, and limiting exposure to other animals.
4. Tapeworms: Passable from Hamster to Human
This parasitic disease is more common in hamsters than most people think. And, like many of the conditions on this list, tapeworms are treatable. Usually, these infestations arise because the hamster ate contaminated food or drank unclean water. Change their food every day, so there’s less risk of this occurring. Weight loss is the most common sign of a tapeworm infection. An affected hamster may also suffer diarrhea, dehydration, and loss of appetite.
Another concern is that hamsters can spread tapeworms to humans. It’s one of many diseases humans can get from animals. Not only should you get treatment for your hamster if you suspect tapeworms, but you should also wash your hands after cleaning their cage.
5. Atrial Thrombosis: A Terminal Heart Condition
Per Merck Veterinary Manual, about 70 percent of older Syrian hamsters contract atrial thrombosis, a condition where the heart can’t effectively pump blood. Usually, it’s the result of congestive heart failure and can cause blood clots. An affected hamster may have a rapid heartbeat and breathing issues. Often, they’ll also suffer from amyloidosis, where abnormal proteins cluster in tissues. Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for this heart disease beyond making your hamster comfortable. Most hamsters will pass away within a week of symptoms arising.
6. Constipation Could Point to an Intestinal Blockage
Constipation is more of a symptom than a disease, but it’s a relatively common health condition. It’s a sign of another underlying medical issue. One frequent cause is a lack of fiber in a hamster’s diet. An easy way to solve this is to provide them with hay. Small animals, like rabbits, hamsters, and gerbils, need hay as a core part of their diet.
Intestinal blockages can also trigger constipation. In this case, you should bring your hamster to the vet because they may be able to speed up a fecal discharge and ease your pet’s discomfort. The good news is that it should be very treatable.
7. Sendai Virus: Rare Yet Extremely Contagious
Sendai virus is very rare in hamsters. But the bad news is that it’s very contagious. It’s a respiratory disease that disproportionately impacts young hamsters with devastating consequences. Adults are usually asymptomatic. However, young hamsters will display a range of symptoms. They may struggle to breathe, and discharge will ooze from their nose. Again, there’s no specific treatment for the Sendai virus. However, vets may be able to use supportive treatments like antibiotics. The prognosis isn’t good, and you should separate an infected hamster from others to prevent the disease from spreading.
8. Tularemia Results from Tick Bites
Tularemia is another rare but very dangerous condition in hamsters. It usually arises after a hamster suffers a bite from an infected tick. Tularemia causes a severe blood infection and bleeding in the lungs. It may also enlarge other organs and affect the sheen of the hamster’s coat. They’ll show visible signs of serious illness in their physical condition and behavior. Focus on prevention because this will drastically reduce the risk of your hamster contracting this condition. Unsoiled bedding and good-quality food will help your pet hamster stay healthy. Sanitize their cage regularly, too, so it doesn’t attract fleas and ticks.
9. Kidney Disorders Commonly Strike Hamsters
Older hamsters and females often suffer from kidney infections. Inflammation is a common issue that causes a range of issues. The hamster may drink more water than usual, so always monitor their regular behavior. They may also lose weight or urinate more often. This is usually a side effect of another condition, like an immune system disorder. Vets can usually prescribe treatment after diagnosis. They can perform scans to identify the problem, as well as conduct blood and urine tests. The prognosis is much better than some of the other health problems and diseases in this guide.
