Hamsters surviving in the wild are, for most part, sturdy little creatures that are rarely troubled by infectious hamster illnesses occurring in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, all of the species bred and maintained in captivity, are highly susceptible to a wide variety of infections commonly spread by humans, as well as, most of the other domestic animals they come in contact with, making it more than challenging to reach a maximum hamster lifespan.
Adding to the difficulty of avoiding the potential threats of infection, are the incidental injuries sustained through aggressive behavior, frequently exchanged with other occupants of the hamster cage. Conflict can quickly occur as a result of territorial defense or encroachment, ownership of food or sexual posturing. Typical kinds of battle damage include cuts, abrasions and infected lumps where injuries have partially healed over.
Other causes of your hamsters illness include fungus, which can quickly grow on the surface of the hamsters bedding material when exposed to moisture from drinking water, either splashed or spilled, and also in areas of urination. Symptoms will generally manifest in the form of diarrhea, difficulty breathing and bloody urine. Other causes of respiratory problems may include allergies to materials used in hamsters cages, such as certain types of wood shavings, foods and hamster treats. Symptoms can also include sneezing, scratching and watery eyes. One highly preventable condition, cage paralysis, occurs when the deprived pet is forced to exist in a habitat that's too small to permit adequate physical activity. By dragging its rear end around, it appears to be crippled, however, the condition will generally disappear after upgrading to a larger cage and providing more opportunity for exercise.
As a consequence of its relatively small size, an infection that may typically be quite minor, for a larger animal, can be exceedingly dangerous for your tiny little friend if not treated with great haste. One complicating factor, inhibiting early detection of a hamster illness is the nocturnal aspect of the hamsters behavior, which limits the opportunity for human observation, since most hamsters spend the daylight hours snuggled up in their hideaways snoozing and resting, as they prepare for another evening of feeding, high energy investigation and physical activity.
Therefore, it is incumbent upon every hamster caring owner to include regular periods of evaluation to allow for early recognition of sick hamster symptoms, immediate intervention and treatment, to provide the greatest chance for survival. The earliest indication of trouble is likely detected in your hammie's demeanor. A sick hamster will likely be either lethargic and inactive or irritable and difficult to handle. The eyes may be watery and dull, with a sunken appearance. The hair around the tail may be wet, indicating diarrhea from possible infection. They will generally show a change in eating and drinking habits, which can contribute to another hazardous situation, dehydration and excessive weight loss.
Surprisingly, when it comes to dwarf hamsters, right up to and including the largest hamster, it seems a incredibly ironic that, while the artificial environment known in captivity most often protects the little critters from the predatory potential found in the wild, that same confinement makes exposure to an even bigger threat an unavoidable reality.
Copyright 2010 Walter Tekman. All rights reserved. Please feel free to share the entire contents of this article with your friends or post it on your site as long as it is left intact with all links unchanged, including this notice.
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