Tail end and sometimes abdomen are wet, matted The wet area is soiled and smells bad from excessive watery diarrhea Failure to groom, dull, ruffled coat Dull, sunken eyes Abdominal discomfort, which can show itself as grumpiness or aggression Lethargy, hiding away and being reclusive Irritability, discomfort, and hunched posture Protruding rectum caused by straining Weight loss Loss of appetite and low energy levels. [3] X Research source
Because hamsters are so small, it’s hard to run diagnostic tests (bloods and imaging) on them. This makes it difficult for the vet to reach a definitive diagnosis of the underlying cause of the illness.
A saline injection does not always make as much difference as hoped because absorption can be slow when the animal is unwell.
The best way is to give the electrolyte solution is with an eyedropper. Squeeze a single drop of the solution from the dropper and touch it to the hamster’s lips. The surface tension of the solution will cause the drop to soak the hamster’s mouth, which it will then lick dry. This should be done every half-hour to hour, if possible.
Other than removing wet foods from its diet, do not change the usual food unless your vet advises you to. This can cause more stress. Try not to move the hamster around more than necessary, beyond vet visits and initial isolation. Transportation is a source of stress.
Always wash your hands before and after handling the hamster. Keep everything clean, including the cage, drink bottle, food dish, and toys. Clean the cage every 2 or 3 days. Trying to clean it any more often can result in additional stress, which is not good for the hamster’s recovery.
Look for dehydration (lifting his scruff and watching it fall back down), lack of activity, lack of response when touched or handled, continued diarrhea, and a foul smell which is getting worse. If you start treatment and the hamster’s condition worsens, at least you gave him a chance. But it may now be kinder to relieve him of his pain and let him go.
Give new hamsters about a week to settle in before handling them often. It is also a good idea to isolate them during this time, as wet tail can be incubating for 7 days before the symptoms appear. [11] X Research source
Stress (for example, from an overcrowded cage or from fear of a predator like a house cat) Change of diet Certain antibiotics given by mouth for other illnesses
