2006-10-08 09:55:26 · 11 answers · asked by catza1324 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
They get tumors and cancer
2006-10-08 09:58:40 · answer #1 · answered by Emily S 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In general, hamsters (especially those in the wild) are robust little animals and aren't affected by many natural diseases. But, they are very susceptible to the infectious diseases of other animals, including humans. Many of the problems and ailments now associated with hamsters are a direct result of captivity. Because of a hamsters small size, a minor illness often can become serious if prompt treatment isn't pursued. Since hamsters are nocturnal creatures many early signs of illness may go unnoticed. In order to ensure good health, hamsters should be checked regularly. Things that must be carefully observed include eating habits, exercise routine, wellness and strength of teeth, limbs, and bones. The body should be checked for bumps or growths, cuts and abrasions, etc. A sick hamster generally becomes irritable and "bitey." They may also become lethargic or walk almost stiff-legged if forced to move or may sit in a "hunched" position. The eyes may appear dull, sunken and sometimes watery. And, they don't eat much, which often results in unhealthy weight loss.
AILLNESS SYMPTOMS AND POSSIBLE CAUSES
Blood in Urine: Bladder & Kidney Infection • Aspergillis Fungus
Diarrhea: Wet Tail • Intussusception • Aspergillis Fungus
Breathing Heavy: Colds & Influenza • Aspergillis Fungus
Broken Limb: Broken Limb
Bulging Anus: Constipation • Intussusception • Rectal Prolapse
Closed Eye(s): Impacted Pouch • Irritated Eyes
Constipation: Endoparasites
Crusty Lesions in ears, face, feet: Ear Mites
Cuts & Bites Abscesses • Cuts & Bites
Diabetes: Diabetes
Dragging Hind Quarters: Broken Limb • Cage Paralysis • Hind Limb Paralysis
Dry Scaly Skin: Demodicosis • Mange • Mites • Ringworm • Sarcoptic Mange
Eating Young: Cannibalism
Eggs in Feces: Endoparasites
Excessive Drinking: Bladder & Kidney Infection • Diabetes
Extreme Diarrhea: Tyzzer's Disease • Wet Tail
Eye Rupture: Eye Prolapse
Facial Swelling: Dental Caries • Impacted Pouch
Hair Loss: Hair Loss • Mange • Mites • Ringworm
Head Tilt: Ear Infection • Strokes
Infertility: Infertility
Lethargy: Colds & Influenza • Tyzzer's Disease • Wet Tail • Aspergillis Fungus
Lifeless: Heat Stroke • Hibernation • Shock • Strokes
Long Nails: Overgrown Nails
Loose Droppings: Antibiotic Induced Diarrhea • Diarrhea
Loss of Balance: Ear Infection • Strokes
Lump: Abscesses • Cancer & Tumors • Impacted Cheek Pouch • Testicular tumors
Overgrown Teeth: Overgrown Teeth
Paralysis: Cage Paralysis • Strokes
Runny Nose: Colds & Influenza
Salivation: Dental Caries
Scratching: Allergies • Fleas • Mange • Mites
Shaking/Trembling: Diabetes • Heat Stroke • Hibernation • Stroke
Sneezing: Allergies • Colds & Influenza
Swollen Abdomen: Constipation
Swollen Eye: Glaucoma
Tires Easily: Strokes
Unable to have Babies: Dystocia
Watery Eyes: Allergies • Colds & Influenza • Irritated Eyes
White Film on Eye: Cataracts
Weight Loss: Diabetes • Endoparasites • Tyzzer's Disease
Wet "Bottom": Antibiotic Induced Diarrhea • Diarrhea • Wet Tail
Wheezing: Allergies • Colds & Influenza
Vaginal Bleeding: Dystocia • Ovarian Cysts
refer to this link for the cure:
2006-10-12 16:57:31 · answer #2 · answered by ^crash_&_burn^ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hamsters as a group can get a disease called, 'wet tail.' it's pretty awful, and often fatal. It is caused by bacteria in the intestines and causes severe diarreha (sp?). If you see this, take your hamseter to the vet immediatly. If you get them there fast enough, it can sometimes be treated with antibiotics. Death can come within 24 hours from dehydration. Not only do the hamsters loose all their liquids, but they feel so bad they don't eat or drink. (forgive spelling errors, I"m a terrible speller!) p
2006-10-08 17:10:16 · answer #3 · answered by reichspot 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
i don't know about dwarf hamsters, but teddy-bear hamsters can get the slows where they get unresponsive because of tummy upset. don't ask me cuz i never treated my hamsters right when i was a little girl.
2006-10-08 16:58:14 · answer #4 · answered by maggie w 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My last drawf hamster had a tumour on her front paw "in which putting to sleep is the best option" they are very susceptible to getting cancerous tumours. Also if you have a cold you should never handle them as the can get your cold very easily.
2006-10-09 13:28:58 · answer #5 · answered by Shelley_B 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i had a dwarfed hamster and it out-lived my other regular hamsters. i don't think they're prone to any illnesses.
2006-10-08 17:02:39 · answer #6 · answered by bella 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some types of dwarves are prone to diabeties, so don't feed them many sugary foods in huge portions. They are fine in moderation.
They can also get cancer, tumors, ect. Make sure they have a big enough cage, and fresh food and water (changed daily). Dwarves like to live in pairs fo they don't get lonely, so if you have just one I would recomend toys for him/her to play with.
Good luck!!
2006-10-08 17:33:35 · answer #7 · answered by danceinggirl61 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
A bad temper from tripping over their long beards ?
2006-10-08 18:25:58 · answer #8 · answered by SCOTLAND 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
stunted growth
2006-10-08 16:56:19 · answer #9 · answered by peter_electro 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Small pox !
2006-10-08 16:59:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋