Wet-tail, wet-bottom or proliferative ileitis, is a disease of hamsters. It is precipitated by stress. Even with treatment, the animal can die within 48–72 hours. Baby hamsters are much more likely to get the disease than older hamsters. It is commonly found when the hamster is being weaned at about four weeks of age.
Causes
Wet-tail is a disease in the animal's intestines caused by the bacteria, Lawsonia intracellularis. Wet-tail is a stress related illness—such stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including too much handling, change in environment/diet, extremely unclean caging, separation from mother/siblings before they were ready to be weaned, and improper caging.
Symptoms
The symptoms may not appear for several days. The main symptom is the animal has a wet tail, matted with faeces. Other signs of the disease are:
- Odour
- Diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Excessive sleeping
- Walking with a hunched back
- Unusual or staggered movement
- Folded ears
- Unusual temper (biting or nipping)
Treatment
Antibiotics can be used to treat wet-tail.
References
- ^ "Gastrointestinal Diseases". The Merck Veterinary Manual. Archived from the original on 2011-05-26. Retrieved 2010-05-28.
- "Wet Tail". Pets Hub. December 2009. Archived from the original on 2010-05-29. Retrieved 2010-05-28.
- Kruzer, Adrienne; Diehl, Natasha; Estep, Emily (18 December 2023). "Wet Tail in Hamsters: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention". The Spruce Pets. Retrieved 28 September 2024.