Hamster Illnesses
Some Important Facts about Hamster Illnesses
Responsible hamster owners should always keep themselves well informed about their pets' needs and this includes staying informed about hamster illnesses and health related issues. By being alert to small symptoms and changes in patterns, you can help in quick diagnosis of hamster illnesses and this can go a long way in dealing with the problems. Among the things that can help you detect illnesses or diseases are changes in the eating habits of your pet, modified physical activity and also general alertness level. It is also helpful to do periodic physical examinations of the hamster to catch skin troubles or cavities, lesions and other injuries.
Some of the most common problems hamsters face are related to their digestive process. Salmonellosis is when a hamster is affected by the Salmonella bacteria that are known to affect humans. Hamsters with Salmonellosis tend to lose weight and seem to be not thriving despite getting all the proper nutrition. Sometimes hamsters suffering from this disease do die suddenly. Given that hamsters can suffer from this illness for a while without showing any overt signs, makes it critical for owners to always feed their pet hamsters well-washed and cleaned fruits and vegetables. Also, because owners can be infected by interacting with hamsters, always make it a point to wash your hands with soap and water after any interaction with your hamster or the cage.
Another digestive problem that hamsters face is diarrhea from a bacterial infection and this is called Wet tail. The name describes the condition of the hamster and this combined with loose stools and a lethargic animal is sure signs of the bacterial infection. Newly weaned hamsters and those experience other kinds of stress are susceptible to it. This is another contagious disease and it is important to practice high standards of hygiene and to isolate the infected hamster. Tapeworms cause the other digestive problem associated with hamsters and is quite common too. These are all conditions that are easily treatable by the veterinarian and it is only a matter of staying alert to the symptoms. As is the case with any pet, healthy eating habits and cleanliness are critical for the digestive health of the hamster.
One of the muscular and skeletal problems that your pet may experience is called cage paralysis. This can be the result of inadequate exercise or of insufficient Vitamin E and D in the hamster's diet. Vitamin supplements and a large enough cage that allows the hamster to run around are recommended as the best solutions for this problem. The Syrian hamster does face progressive limb paralysis as a hereditary problem and there is no easy cure for that.
Hamsters are susceptible to some skin difficulties. They can get abscesses on their body from bite wounds while fighting with another hamster or in their cheek pouches because of some food item. This will need to be treated by a vet who can drain the infected area and the hamster will have to be given antibiotics. Mange related hair loss or patchy skin and fleas and lies are also hamster illnesses to look out for. Fleas and lies are usually easily communicated between the various pets in a household and your treatment for this should be something that covers all the animals at home.
The lumps found on a hamster can sometimes be indication of a cancerous growth. Female hamsters are particularly prone to cancer as the reproductive tract is often the area of unusual growth. The growth is tested to find out if it is malignant and malignant tumors tend to grow very soon in sick hamsters and death is almost inevitable. Benign cancers, on the other hand, are generally slower to grow and are not necessarily life-threatening. Hamsters are found to be mainly affected in the thyroid area and the adrenal glands. Hair loss and modified behavior can alert owners to cancerous growth. In the case of skin tumors, there is other visual proof also. Sometimes hamsters suffering from a cancerous growth can be cured effectively through surgery.
So, most of the common hamster illnesses are readily treatable and a conscientious pet owner will easily be able to provide the help their pet needs by closely observing the pet hamster on a regular basis.