Dwarf Hamster Illnesses (Part Three)

A sick hamster may have internal parasites; there are two kinds of internal parasites. Pin-worms usually not harmful and you can see this worm in their droppings they have a banana shape appearance. The other is called a Dwarf tapeworm; you can see this type of parasite also in the droppings. There is really not much of a symptom for either of these parasites you may see some weight loss or constipation in this illness so you must still treat your dwarf hamster illness to keep them healthy. Consult with your vet to treat these parasites.

Dwarf hamsters will also have problems with their eyes they can get cataracts but it is usually with your older hamsters. There is no treatment for cataracts, they will lose their sight anyway but it won't matter because they don't see well anyhow. Another eye problem is glaucoma which is seen more in the dwarf hamsters. Symptoms of glaucoma are that the eye will appear larger and that it can become prolapsed from fluid behind the eye socket. This can be caused from fighting, rough handling, or being held by the scruff of the neck. Unfortunately there is not a treatment for this but the vet can give some ointment to keep the eye moist and prescribe a pain medicine if the sick hamster is in pain. Just as cataracts your dwarf hamster will lose its sight.

Diabetes is another dwarf hamster sickness which affects a lot of the dwarf hamster breed more commonly in the Campbell Hamsters. This is usually an inherited disease and affects the dwarf hamster around 7 to 9 months of age. Some of the causes can be from an unkempt cage, stress, or a bad diet. The symptoms are lower body temperature, shaking, trembling, excessive drinking, and frequent urinating. The bad thing about this illness there is no cure for it. The only thing you can do is consult your veterinarian to find out what steps to take to keep your dwarf hamster healthy. He or she may suggest a sugar free diet, certain vegetables, and a quality seed mixture with adding some unflavored Pedialyte, so be sure to talk to your vet.

The last thing I'm going to talk about is the aspergilli's fungus it grows in the cage of where your dwarf hamster lives. Where? You might ask. In your hamsters bedding where they urinate or from rotten food left in the cage. This fungus will create an airborne spore into the hamster's environment and will cause a sickness for your hamster or even death. Symptoms are chronic diarrhea, blood in the urine, inflamed skin, breathing problems, and lethargic. You must see your veterinarian if you spot these symptoms or the fungus in the cage. A vet then will treat your hamster with a fungus medication and an antibiotic. The best way to prevent this from happening is not to let fruits or vegetables to rot in the cage and always clean your dwarf hamsters cage out every week by disinfecting it every time.

 Always take care of your pet by finding the proper care guidelines and research as much as you can. Also make sure you take your dwarf hamster illnesses to your vet for proper care for a healthy hamster.