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Wet tail is something all hamster owners or prospective owners need to be aware of. It's an extremely dangerous illness for Syrian hamsters (it's very rare in dwarf hamsters) that is highly infectious to other hamsters, life threatening within 2 or 3 days if not treated promptly (and even then the hamster may not survive) and is worsened, if not partially caused by, stress. Most commonly in young hamsters you have just brought home. They may have been in infected conditions and the stress of the major change on top can bring it on or worsen it. The article below explains more clearly but although it is an infectious disease, it is stress that really makes a hamster susceptible to it.
It's one reason most care topics advise about avoiding stress for hamsters - by getting their cage set up ready for when they arrive and then not changing things or disturbing things for the first two weeks (the settling in period). By allowing them 2 or 3 days to adjust to their cage without handling them much or causing them too much excitement. By keeping other pets away from their cage (particularly cats who may paw at the cage - the smell of another pet nearby can be very stressful to a baby hamster). By being kind and gentle with them and talking to them gently.
If a hamster has wet tail it usually shows within the first 7 days of them arriving. It is a horrible illness for a baby hamster. Sadly sometimes it is related to the conditions they were in before they came to you, but it's still important to avoid stress for them in that first two weeks. You will know if a hamster has it as they will have severe diarrhoea, seem very unwell and possibly hunched or squeaking with pain.
netvet.co.uk
It's one reason most care topics advise about avoiding stress for hamsters - by getting their cage set up ready for when they arrive and then not changing things or disturbing things for the first two weeks (the settling in period). By allowing them 2 or 3 days to adjust to their cage without handling them much or causing them too much excitement. By keeping other pets away from their cage (particularly cats who may paw at the cage - the smell of another pet nearby can be very stressful to a baby hamster). By being kind and gentle with them and talking to them gently.
If a hamster has wet tail it usually shows within the first 7 days of them arriving. It is a horrible illness for a baby hamster. Sadly sometimes it is related to the conditions they were in before they came to you, but it's still important to avoid stress for them in that first two weeks. You will know if a hamster has it as they will have severe diarrhoea, seem very unwell and possibly hunched or squeaking with pain.
Wet tail in hamsters – Net Vet
Introduction Wet tail in hamsters is a very serious disease which is frequently fatal. It is a common mistake toread more about Wet tail in hamsters
netvet.co.uk