Diarrhea in hamsters can be caused by a number of different pathogens. Young hamsters are especially prone to infection with Lawsonia intracellularis which causes diarrhea and a condition called proliferative enteritis or Clostridium piliforme the cause of Tyzzer’s disease. Diarrhea in adult hamsters is more often caused by Campylobacter fetus spp. Jejuni or parasites. Hamsters can also develop diarrhea secondary to antibiotics called antibiotic-associated enterocolitis caused by Clostridium difficile where diarrhea usually starts within 2-10 days of oral administration of antibiotics with Gram-positive spectrum such as lincosamides, beta-lactams, or macrolides. Other medical conditions can also cause diarrhea, such as urinary tract infections or uterine infections called pyometras. Risk factors for diarrhea in hamsters include stress, overcrowding, contaminated feed, and poor cage hygiene.
Symptoms obviously include diarrhea as well as a soiled bottom and tail, anorexia, lethargy, dehydration, depression, hunched posture, abdominal distension, weight loss, intestinal prolapse, skin tenting and squinting from dehydration, and sudden death in really severe cases.
The most important and first step in diagnostics for hamsters with diarrhea is fecal testing for parasites as well as a stained fecal smear to check for bacterial populations.
Good supportive care is essential for treating hamsters with diarrhea as they easily become severely dehydrated. Moderately to severely dehydrated hamsters should receive subcutaneous fluids. Moisten their food (pellets) with water until eating and drinking well. Assist feed with Lafeber Emeraid or Oxbow Critical Care Omnivore if not eating in 4-6 syringe feedings throughout the day. Antibiotics should be prescribed along with any additional medications specific to the cause of their diarrhea.
The prognosis is guarded to good depending on the severity of the illness. It should be noted that intestinal diseases can cause sudden death in hamsters. Hamster tapeworms can be zoonotic, so if your hamster is diagnosed with these pay extra special attention to hygiene, wash your hands thoroughly after handling the hamster or any cage furnishings.
It is recommended that a recheck examination be performed in 10-14 days (before antibiotic course is done), or sooner if not improving or worsening. We also recommend a 30-day quarantine for new animals. If parasites are found on the fecal, a repeat fecal should be done following treatment.
Copyright © All Rights Reserved
