My Two Russian Hamsters Has Wet Tail? What Should I Do?

Question

My Dad Won't Take Them To The Vets.. Iv'e Had Them For 6Days And The Garrentee End Tomorrow!

Plz Help

Answer 1

Take them back to the store. There is no cure for wet tail. I'm sorry. Wet tail is also very contagious. Do not put new hamsters in the same cage until you sterilize it. Do this with HOT water and a little bleach. Clean anything your sick hamsters touched, toys, food dishes, get a NEW water bottle. RINSE the bleach solution off VERY WELL. And start your cage set up over.

Answer 2

Ok folks, wet tail doesn't have to be fatal. It's a form of diarrhea that is exacerbated by the stress of shipping them to the pet store, then moving to a new home. The pet store is not terrible for selling hamsters that developed it, nor is their supplier. It happens.

You can take them back to the store for a refund. Other hamsters there may be unaffected, especially if they've had the chance to get acclimated to their new surroundings before being sold into new homes. I WOULD check the bums of the replacement hamsters closely to see if they look like they have it before you take them home though.

Alternatively, you can pick up a wet tail over-the-counter medicine at most pet stores. Often smart pet stores sell this along with hamsters when they go to new homes since they are so susceptible to developing wet tail in the first few days at their new home. This medication does often work, but there is no guarantee. It's not expensive, and if I recall correctly it is called "Dri Tail".

Answer 3

Take photos of them with the rear end clearly visible, phone the RSPCA and tell them where you got the hamsters from and tell them about the wet-tail. Then phone Trading Standards and tell them the same. Other people wll be experiencing the same problems because all the hamsters that were in together with yours or those from same litter will also have this fatal disease. The RSPCA will probably find out where the hamsters originally came from and pay them a visit. Please don't rely on someone else doing the right thing...you must do it. Show your dad these messages and he will do something about it for you. Don't try to clean the cage and everything else you bought for them. You could possibly miss some of the infection. Throw ALL of it away. Don't go back to the same petshop again except for your dad because he needs to speak to the shop owner. Really sorry you've had a bad experience with this. Hopefully your dad will still let you have some more.

Answer 4

Tell your Dad the hamsters will die if he doesn't take them to the vets, because they probably will I'm afraid. It only takes a few days for wet tail to kill a hamster. Or sod your Dad and take them yourself.

There is a product you can get from a petshop called Dri-tail or some such nonsense. It doesn't work, but I suppose you'll have to end up trying it if it's physically impossible to get to a vet. The hamsters require antibiotics to get better I'm afraid.

It will not cost much for a teeny amount of antibiotics for the hamster. Tell your Dad that if money's the problem.

Chalice

Answer 5

If these hamsters are sick, then take them back to the store before the warranty period is up. Do not accept replacements, as they could well be in the same condition.
How ever, in the 12 years I have been breeding syrian and dwarf Campbell hamsters, I have never seen a dwarf get wet-tail. I have always been taught this is not a disease they can even contract. But, if they are sick with something, that is why you dont want any more pets from that store.

Answer 6

My little female Syrian hamster had wet tail, it's not the wet tail they die of, it's dehydration.
If you have a small syringe or a dropper or something, give them water with that, the most important thing is to keep them hydrated.
Second, they really do need to go to a vet. They need antibiotics to help them through this.
The vet also gave me some supreme science recovery to feed my hamster, again by syringe, she loved it.

I would suggest seeing if someone else would help you get your hamsters to the vet, but until then, KEEP THEM HYDRATED!

I wish you the best of luck and I hope your hammies survive.

Answer 7

Don't listen to the posts that say there is no cure for wet tail. There IS. If your dad is unwilling to provide veterinary care for your hamster then it's simple: you shouldn't have animals! It is inhumane to bring home animals if you're (or in this case, your dad in) unwilling to treat them when they are in pain or need care.

I would suggest you take them back to the store and get your money back. Don't get more hamsters. This ailment is especially common in hamsters obtained from pet stores because they often do not provide adequate care. I cannot stress this enough - DO NOT BUY ANIMALS FROM PET STORES! Petco and Petsmart have both been found with animals suffering from untreated wet tail and other ailments. My hamster came from a shelter. Shelters take in the animals no one wants, take excellent care of the animals, are very knowledgeable, and if the animals are never adopted at shelters, they often have to be euthanized so they are especially needy.

Answer 8

I am so sorry but your hamsters are very ill. Wet tail is sadly fatal and as yours have it all the others in the shop where you got the hamsters will have or get it as well. You must take the hamsters back, ask for a refund and tell them that they need to call a vet to have the hammys put to sleep. Please show your dad this, its very important as wet tail is very nasty and painful for the animals.. Go to another shop for your pets. Good luck and big hug :o)

Answer 9

Take them back to the store you got them before the guarantee is up! They will take them to their vet and if they get better they will call you to come pick them up when they are better. Although, if your parents won't take your hamsters to the vet I don't suggest you have them. When buying a pet you have to understand all of the expenses that come with being a pet owner...vet included! If they are sick or hurt they will need medical attention...only have animals if you are willing to spend money on vet bills.

Answer 10

Take them back to the store NOW! The store will take them both back and treat them for wet tail. If they get better, they'll call you when you can pick them up. If they die, you should be able to get some others or just get your money back.

When you get them back or get new ones, limit the amount of seed food you give them. You should mix lab blocks with their seed food about 50/50. You can also give carrots and oats to help prevent wet tail. They love it, too!!

Good luck!