Hey crazymouse.. I'm in the middle of writing a summary of common hamster diseases complete with references online (so I'm not plagarising.. just summarizing). No one is currently doing that right? Don't want my efforts wasted.

Summary of Common Hamster Diseases v0.1
Red Bolded- It is most recommended that you consult your vet unless your 100% sure of the situation.
****- Partially incomplete. Please PM me if you do have extra information including the source of where you took your information from.

Wet Tail (Proliferative ileitis)
Commonly mistaken and thought to be diarrhea. It affects mostly hamsters which are weaning (3-6 weeks old). The specific pathogen for this disease is still uncertain. Without immediate treatment a hamster may only survive up to 48 hours after signs of symptoms.
Symptoms: Obviously, wet tail.. caused by the discharge from the anus. A foul smell will be present. Other symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, messy coat/fur, dull eyes and hunched posture.
Treatment: Consult a vet ASAP for antibiotics, anti-diarrhea, and fluid replacement remedies. (Common treatments for wet tail are Baytril (enrofloxacin) or Neomycin (never more than 10mg/ kg because of sensitivity) with metronidazole (Flagyl, 0.1% in drinking water) and Kaopectate (1-2 ml PO). Also keep a 50/50 solution of Pedialyte and water available for your hamster. Use of an over the counter medicine, such as Dri-Tail, only masks the symptoms. It will not cure your hamster. These antibiotics are too weak to kill the bacteria.)


Diarrhea
May be caused by pathogens or overfeeding with fresh foods. (That's why crazymouse always say not too much. Hahaha) Your pet however, will not suffer from loss of appetite or lower activeness in most situations. Dehydration however, is the main concern.
Symptoms: Somewhat similar to wet tail but it is not as severe.
Treatment: Consult a vet and you will be given antibiotics. (not sure which because can't find it anywhere)****


Skin Diseases
Commonly caused by mites.
Symptoms: Excessive scratching by hamster, flakiness or redness in the skin.
Treatment: Consult a vet. ****


Abscesses
Most often caused by bite wounds from fighting. Sharp edges of certain food can also contribute to this problem in their cheek pouch. This is rather rare however. The build up of pus under the wounded skin.
Symptoms: Lump under their skin.
Treatment: Require veterinary attention for draining, flushing, and treatment with antibiotics.


Diabetes
Most commonly seen in Dwarf Russian Campbell but can also affect other species.
Symptoms: Hamsters that develop diabetes will show symptoms of excessive drinking, excessive urinating and wasting. Other symptoms may include low body temperature, shaking and trembling and at worst a comatose state.
Treatment: Pedialyte solution in the water bottle recommended by the vets.


Teeth Problems
All rodents have front teeth (incisor) which keeps growing until they reach the end of their life. That's why you see your hamster(s) gnawing and chewing on things all the time. This is to 'file' their teeth to make sure it is not too long. However, the main factor from preventing overgrowth is the wear caused by upper and lower incisors. Teeth problems can be caused by abscess or malnutrition which leads to misalignment of either of the incisors.
Symptoms: Lack of appetite and drooling. Weight loss and foul odor from the mouth
Treatment: Vet will trim the overgrown incisors and extract them. Antibiotics.


Trauma
Caused by accidents due to mishandling which can lead to broken bones or other injuries.


Sources
http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/hamster_diabetes.htm
http://www.animalhospitals-usa.com/small_p...es_general.html
http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-diseases/10/HAMSTER/
http://www.boomspeed.com/critterbarn/Diseaseshamster.html
http://www.hamsterific.com/HamsterUniversi...rUniversity.cfm
http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/hamsters/a/hamsterhealth.htm


-to be continued. Will update asap. Hopefully this will be sufficient for the moment-

This post has been edited by BlueHeng: Feb 28 2007, 12:00 AM

It's still around. Just closed. LOL.. still can read de la..

Huh? you don't cut the aroma burner.. how to cut? Just put the whole thing inside nia la.. lol..

What for? burn alrd not nice. O.o

Mind taking a pic of it? I've been looking for a wooden house but can't seem to find one at pet safari for a cheap price.

Eh you trying to make us all jealous with your hamster tank ah? (i'm jealous)

hahaha.. just joking only lar. But i wish i can have such a nice hamster cage. Looks very neat and tidy. Too bad no time and no skill to make. Haih... nice job btw. hehe

Looks very nice. I'll consider getting one. wahaha.. mommy gonna kill me. Spend so much on a rodent. LOL

Honestly it's hard to wash away pesticides.. I'd suggest you go to an organic shop which you trust and get them their fresh veggies.

hahaha.. yeah it's ex.. I give carrots.. cut away the skin. Easy peasy. =D

I don't think hamsters can sweat. THey have fur. Not like us. They most prob drool to loose heat.

Yeah like dogs. Crazymouse said that they'll drool if it's too hot. Hamsters don't sweat that's for sure.

My ww.. I feel like wanna cekik it sometimes. I put the bedding nicely for it and it'll kick one spot away in the corner then pee there, as a result, the pee won't be absorbed by the bedding and it'll stink. grrrr...

Hard to potty train.. I read an article.. the lady use vinegar to wash the cage everytime to take off the smell until her hamster pee at the right place. I'm planning to get a small hidehouse and connect it to my habitrail mini then put bath sand.. hopefully my ww will use it.

You can seriously. Not apply. Clean it with vinegar. It takes off the smell. Crazymouse thought me that method too.

So smart? LOL.. my WW will shit in his hidehouse then when he's free he'll use his mouth and throw the shit outside of the hidehouse. LOL

I wanted to have robos.. but very lazy to handle them.. too active!

That's what i call crazymouse's home. She's got heggie, hams, gerb, dog, sg... dunno what else she has..

Ur gf complains about the room...? HOR! YOU StAY IN SAME ROOM WITH HER!!! AHEM AHEM!

How can you stand the sound of the wheel? I'll die I tell you.