Hamster Health Issues / Diseases
═════════════════════
1.
·
═════════════════════
 |
| Health Problems (3) |
 |
 |
Hamsters
tend to be
affected by relatively
few naturally occurring
diseases. Their susceptibility, however, to a host of
infectious diseases of other animals, including people, and the case with which
these diseases can be transmitted to hamsters have made them very popular
laboratory animals for biomedical research.
‘Teddy bear’ hamsters and other genetic varieties tend to be much more
susceptible to disease and sensitive to antibiotics and other drugs than golden
hamsters. (1)
Because hamsters are very small, nocturnal
(night- active) and not closely observed, the early signs of illness are
frequently overlooked or not noted at all.
Hamster owners must be constantly
vigilant for signs
of illness and
must seek immediate
veterinary assistance when illness is suspected. (1)
Sick hamsters often become irritable and
frequently bite. They are usually
reluctant to move about and walk stiffly when forced to do so. Their eyes often look dull and sunken, and
frequently have a discharge. Sick
hamsters often stop eating or greatly reduce their intake of food. Consequently, weight loss is a common sign
(not necessarily an easy one to recognize) of illness in hamsters. Fluid losses from diarrhea also may cause
marked weight loss. Sudden
intestinal disease (with
accompanying diarrhea) is
the most common
illness of hamsters, especially amongst
those being weaned
or recently weaned.
If the serious
accompanying dehydration is not recognized immediately and corrected
with appropriate fluid therapy at the direction of a veterinarian, death is
probable. (1)
 |
| Predisposing factors of bacterial diseases (11) |
The incisor (front, gnawing) teeth grow
continuously for the life of the hamster (this is true for all rodents). They receive continuous wear as the uppers
and lowers contact each other,
