When a hamster gets sick, the first step is to observe its symptoms and take corresponding treatment measures based on those symptoms.
Common Symptoms and Treatment Approaches
Diarrhea: If a hamster's feces are soft or watery, it may be due to improper diet or a gastrointestinal infection. Treatment involves adjusting the diet and giving an appropriate amount of probiotics. If the symptoms persist, seek veterinary care promptly.
Eye Infection: Symptoms include red and swollen eyes, tearing, and the presence of discharge. The treatment is to clean the eyes and use a mild eye anti - inflammatory medicine. Maintaining environmental hygiene is the key to prevention.
Skin Disease: Manifested as hair loss, red and swollen skin, and the appearance of dandruff. Treatment includes avoiding allergens and using anti - allergic or anti - inflammatory ointments. Ensure that the living environment is dry and clean.
Tooth Problems: Symptoms include drooling and not eating. This may be caused by overgrown or crooked teeth. Provide regular opportunities for teeth - grinding, and if necessary, have a veterinarian extract the teeth.
Fractures and Sprains: Symptoms include an inability to walk normally and joint deformation. Treatment includes immobilizing the injured area and giving oral anti - inflammatory and pain - relieving medications. If the situation is severe, seek help from a veterinarian.
Otitis Media: Symptoms include frequent head - shaking and ear - scratching. Treatment involves cleaning the ears and using anti - inflammatory ear drops. Regularly check and maintain environmental hygiene.
Diabetes: Symptoms include increased drinking, eating, and sticky urine. Treatment includes adjusting the diet structure and increasing physical activity. If the condition is severe, consult a veterinarian.
Tumor: Symptoms include the appearance of an unknown mass on the body. Treatment includes surgical removal and a pathological examination. Maintaining a good living environment can reduce the risk of the disease.
Heart Disease: Symptoms include difficulty breathing and obvious abdominal heaving. Treatment includes adjusting the diet, increasing physical activity, and using relevant medications. Detect and treat it as early as possible.
Neurological Diseases: Symptoms include abnormal behavior and paralysis. Treatment involves seeking help from a veterinarian, identifying the cause, and carrying out targeted treatment.
Preventive Measures
Maintain Environmental Hygiene: Regularly clean the hamster's living environment to ensure it is dry and well - ventilated.
Proper Diet: Provide a nutritionally balanced diet and avoid excessive high - sugar and high - fat foods.
Regular Check - ups: Take the hamster to a veterinarian for a check - up at least once a year.
Learn about Diseases: Understand the symptoms and treatment methods of common hamster diseases to be prepared in advance.
Provide Toys and Exercise Facilities: Give the hamster enough space for activities and ways to have fun, which can enhance its physique and reduce the chance of getting sick.
Handling Emergencies
In case of an emergency, such as when a hamster shows severe symptoms or its condition deteriorates, take it to a veterinarian immediately. Choose an experienced veterinarian, describe the hamster's symptoms in detail, and receive appropriate treatment based on the veterinarian's advice. Closely observe the changes in the hamster's condition at home. If the symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, return to the veterinarian for a check - up right away.