Hamsters Research Paper
QUICK REFERENCE FOR PROBLEMS, INJURIES & AILMENTS
(This section has been reviewed by Dr. Taylor Douglas, DVM, Sunriver Veterinary Clinic, Sunriver, Oregon)
In general, hamsters (especially those in the wild) are robust little animals and aren't affected by many natural diseases. But, they are very susceptible to the infectious diseases of other animals, including humans. Many of the problems and ailments now associated with hamsters are a direct result of captivity.
Because they are small, a minor illness can rapidly become major if immediate treatment isn't pursued. Since they are nocturnal many of the early signs of illness are not noticed. To insure good health, hamsters should be checked regularly: to include eating habits, exercise …show more content…
General causes include an obese female, a deformity of the female or extremely large pups. Early symptoms include lethargy and sometimes vaginal bleeding. Seek the advise of a veterinarian immediately - it may be possible to save both female and the pups.
EAR INFECTION - Lack of balance and a tilted head are the normal symptoms of an ear infection. Antibiotics, as prescribed by the veterinarian will generally clear up the infection in a few days.
EAR MITES - Notoedres, the hamster ear mite, (a species specific) causes crusty lesions in hamsters' ears, on the face and feet. Treatment consists of either Ivermectin injections by the veterinarian or it can be administered orally.
ENDOPARASITES - internal parasites, of which there are two:
· Dwarf tapeworms - hamsters infected don't usually show any symptoms. Occasionally there will be signs of weight loss and could be responsible for cases of constipation. Generally the first indication is the appearance of ova in the hamster's droppings. One possible treatment would be administration of niclosamide. Prevention is the best measure, which includes protection from wild rodents, covering all food items to decrease the risk of contamination and changing the bedding weekly. The ova thrive if the humidity is high so effort should be extended to keep the humidity …show more content…
Wet Tail is undoubtedly the most common and one of the most serious diseases of hamsters. It is generally triggered by stress associated with weaning, environmental changes, malnutrition, dirty cages, and overcrowding. It used to be referred to as "shipping fever" because inadequate and overcrowded shipping boxes and being exposed to several different environments is extremely stressful to young hamsters. Especially since they have just suffered the trauma of being taken away from their mothers. Fortunately there are now products available that will balance the stomach's pH and also help reduce stress. Wet Tail is, in fact, a severe case of watery diarrhea that can result in death from dehydration within two days if left untreated. The hamster is lethargic and usually sits in a hunched position. Very extreme cases can cause a rectal prolapse or intussception. It is imperative that a veterinarian be contacted at the first signs of wet tail. Unless immediate emergency measures are taken, treatment may be unsuccessful. It is essential to keep the hamster in a warm clean cage with adequate ventilation, but not a draft. Since dehydration is the primary cause of death, it is imperative to give warm fluids immediately. As an emergency rehydration fluid, until the veterinarian recommends something else, they can be given unflavored pedialyte (available in most grocery stores). All food should be
(This section has been reviewed by Dr. Taylor Douglas, DVM, Sunriver Veterinary Clinic, Sunriver, Oregon)
In general, hamsters (especially those in the wild) are robust little animals and aren't affected by many natural diseases. But, they are very susceptible to the infectious diseases of other animals, including humans. Many of the problems and ailments now associated with hamsters are a direct result of captivity.
Because they are small, a minor illness can rapidly become major if immediate treatment isn't pursued. Since they are nocturnal many of the early signs of illness are not noticed. To insure good health, hamsters should be checked regularly: to include eating habits, exercise …show more content…
General causes include an obese female, a deformity of the female or extremely large pups. Early symptoms include lethargy and sometimes vaginal bleeding. Seek the advise of a veterinarian immediately - it may be possible to save both female and the pups.
EAR INFECTION - Lack of balance and a tilted head are the normal symptoms of an ear infection. Antibiotics, as prescribed by the veterinarian will generally clear up the infection in a few days.
EAR MITES - Notoedres, the hamster ear mite, (a species specific) causes crusty lesions in hamsters' ears, on the face and feet. Treatment consists of either Ivermectin injections by the veterinarian or it can be administered orally.
ENDOPARASITES - internal parasites, of which there are two:
· Dwarf tapeworms - hamsters infected don't usually show any symptoms. Occasionally there will be signs of weight loss and could be responsible for cases of constipation. Generally the first indication is the appearance of ova in the hamster's droppings. One possible treatment would be administration of niclosamide. Prevention is the best measure, which includes protection from wild rodents, covering all food items to decrease the risk of contamination and changing the bedding weekly. The ova thrive if the humidity is high so effort should be extended to keep the humidity …show more content…
Wet Tail is undoubtedly the most common and one of the most serious diseases of hamsters. It is generally triggered by stress associated with weaning, environmental changes, malnutrition, dirty cages, and overcrowding. It used to be referred to as "shipping fever" because inadequate and overcrowded shipping boxes and being exposed to several different environments is extremely stressful to young hamsters. Especially since they have just suffered the trauma of being taken away from their mothers. Fortunately there are now products available that will balance the stomach's pH and also help reduce stress. Wet Tail is, in fact, a severe case of watery diarrhea that can result in death from dehydration within two days if left untreated. The hamster is lethargic and usually sits in a hunched position. Very extreme cases can cause a rectal prolapse or intussception. It is imperative that a veterinarian be contacted at the first signs of wet tail. Unless immediate emergency measures are taken, treatment may be unsuccessful. It is essential to keep the hamster in a warm clean cage with adequate ventilation, but not a draft. Since dehydration is the primary cause of death, it is imperative to give warm fluids immediately. As an emergency rehydration fluid, until the veterinarian recommends something else, they can be given unflavored pedialyte (available in most grocery stores). All food should be