HAMSTER DISEASES - EYES, TUMOUR, SYMPTOMS
Discover the most common diseases that affect hamsters. Learn how to react quickly in an emergency to help your pet.
HAMSTER DISEASES
Skin problems
In the case of older individuals, thinned fur is a normal thing. On the other hand, hair thinning in a young hamster can be a symptom of disease. Sometimes, hair loss is caused by a poorly selected diet, which does not provide rodents with the nutrients they need. However, if you notice scabs and calves on the body of your favourite, it is very likely that the rodent suffers from parasitic diseases such as scabies or boredom. Similar symptoms on the skin also cause fungal infections. If skin lesions are observed, we should go with the animal to the vet as soon as possible.
Overheating (coma)
In case of overheating, the hamster lies flat on the floor of the cage and stops moving. In some rodents there are also convulsions. To help your little one, move the cage to a cooler place. If the hamster does not return to shape after several minutes, contact your vet as soon as possible. To prevent overheating, the rodent cage should be located in a shady, airy location during high temperatures.
Falls and bruises
All ointment falls from a height are a common cause of hamsters' ailments. A rodent who is a victim of an emergency needs immediate help. As a result of the pain, the animal may be shocked, so the owner should calm the guest as soon as possible. The broken hamster should be placed gently in a cage, ensuring warmth, peace of mind and access to food, and regular monitoring of the condition of the pet. Unfortunately, most painful accidents end with a visit to a veterinary surgery.
HAMSTER DISEASES - EYES
Eye bacterial infections
Bacterial infections of the eye are extremely dangerous for rodents. The cause may be an injury to the eye itself or to the surrounding area. In the event of infection, a lack of rapid intervention may result in brain metastases.
The main symptom of the disease is intense blinking of the eyes. If the hamster flashes blind because of strong light, this is not a cause for concern. However, when the blushing lasts most of the day, and it is accompanied by tearing and secretion of oil, it is a sign of illness. An ill eye seems to be covered in fog.
Eye infection - treatment
Usually, the hamster caregiver sees a problem when the eyeball becomes more pronounced. There are also scabs on the surface. An ill eye in such a state can no longer be rescued, so the fight for the second eye and the life of the rodent remains. Visit your vet as soon as possible for an eye antibiotic. Usually your doctor will prescribe 0.3% Gentamicin eye drops. The solution should be administered to rodents according to doctor's instructions, usually 3-4 drops a day.
Eye adhesion
In addition to bacterial infections, eye sticking is a common disease, especially in older hamsters. This can be caused by airborne contaminants (e.g. dust) or it can be an allergic or sick reaction (e.g. a cold caused by draught).
HAMSTER DISEASE - TUMOUR
Hard, fast-growing nodules may be evidence of cancer in the hamster. It should be remembered that tumors can easily be confused with ulcers and harmless cosmetic changes. Internal cancers are complicated to treat, but external tumors (e.g. breast cancer) can be successfully removed surgically. Your vet will safely remove the tumors under anaesthesia.
HAMSTER DISEASES SYMPTOMS OF CANCER
In addition to the tumors, which are symptoms of cancer, attention should also be paid to other thickening under the skin surface. In addition: loss of fur, lack of appetite and general ossification may be evidence of cancer. More frequent cancers occur in males and older hamsters, however, the method of breeding does not have a greater impact on the disease.
The final diagnosis should be made by an experienced veterinarian, who will also choose the right method of treatment for our little one.