What are the common diseases in the hamster?

 

It is important to offer a healthy life to your small rodent and to monitor its health. But it is still not easy to avoid certain diseases. Here are those that are most common in the hamster. By knowing them, you can more easily prevent them and quickly detect the first symptoms. If your hamster has a healthy life and you take good care of it, it should escape these problems. Good nutrition, activity and regular care are the basis of good health.

1/Food diseases

The hamster can be obese or too thin.

Obesity is a common problem in hamsters that spend a lot of time in their cage, that they don't have toys to stimulate them and help them move. This inactivity combined with a diet that is too rich can lead to overweight. It is easy to see if your hamster is too big and it is not necessary to take it to the veterinarian. However, the veterinarian will be able to help you adapt his diet and food quantities to his activity and morphology. Limit fatty foods, reduce the daily dose and don't forget to put a wheel (or wheels) at his disposal. Do not change your food, just reduce the quantities.

If your hamster is too thin, add treats and increase the rations.

Food poisoning

If the hamster eats a toxic food, you must react quickly.

If the hamster is very thirsty, agitated, possibly has spasms, an emergency visit to the veterinarian is necessary.

It is important to know that the hamster is physically unable to vomit and therefore, to quickly evacuate the harmful food.

2/ Digestive problems

Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be very serious in this small animal and can be fatal in less than 48 hours. If the hamster shows great fatigue, if its hindquarters are soiled, if it lacks appetite, it must be taken to the veterinarian very quickly. An abrupt change of diet, stress, worms, bacterial or viral infection can be the cause of this diarrhea. Fresh food should be avoided until the droppings are firm again. It is important to ensure that the hamster is adequately hydrated.

Hairballs

Trichobezoards are balls of hair that the hamster swallows while grooming. These hairs clump into balls and accumulate in its stomach when the hamster gets bored and spends too much time licking itself. This can lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, constipation. It is important to consult a veterinarian. But, to prevent the problem, give your hamster more space, give it more games and spend more time with it. He will be less bored.

3/ Skin diseases

Scabies hamster-gale

This skin disease is caused by parasites. It first affects the ears, the legs, the tail with the appearance of small pimples, scabs, plaques. An acaricide must be prescribed and a complete disinfection of the environment is necessary. It is a highly contagious disease.

The tumor

The hamster is quite often subject to the appearance of tumors. A ball forms in the tissue. Surgery is most often necessary.

 Parasites

If your hamster is losing weight for no reason, scratching a lot, it is possible that it is bothered by parasites. Ticks, mites or lice may be present in its coat. If other animals live in the same dwelling, the hamster may also have been infested with fleas. A consultation with a veterinarian is required.

4/ Respiratory and eye diseases

The coryza

This respiratory disease can become fatal if left untreated. It is caused by stress situations, drafts, strong temperature variations but also by poor environmental hygiene. It is a contagious disease. The veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics.

Conjunctivitis

Following a draught, a foreign body stuck in the eye, temperature variations, a lack of vitamins, the hamster can develop conjunctivitis. The affected eye is closed, sensitive, cries. Physiological serum on a compress allows to clean the eye but it is necessary to consult very quickly. Conjunctivitis can be the first symptom of a serious disease and the hamster may lose its eye.

5/ Dental problems

The filled jowls

It can happen that the hamster's cheeks are full and he cannot empty them by himself. This problem can occur when it eats sticky food. This is very bad for him and only the veterinarian will be able to help him. It can also be a dental infection or an inflammation of the cheeks.

Incisors that are too long

The hamster has incisors that grow throughout its life. If it does not gnaw enough, it cannot wear them out. Teeth that are too long can lead to many problems. The hamster no longer eats properly. The veterinarian can intervene.

For your hamster to stay healthy, it needs a suitable diet, enough space to exercise, games and daily attention. Many diseases can be avoided by taking care of the hygiene of its cage, its location and its size.