What Are the Causes of Wet Tail in Hamsters?
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In Baby Hamsters
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Wet tail is the common nickname for a potentially lethal disease, regional enteritis or proliferative ileitis. According to Holly Nash, DVM, young, long-haired hamsters that have just been weaned are particularly susceptible to getting wet tail. Since they are stressed, their resistance may be lowered, making them more vulnerable to the bacteria that causes wet tail: Lawsonia intracellularis, E. coli or bacteria from the campylobacter family. The bacteria are transmitted through contact with the feces or food contaminated by the feces of adult hamsters. All healthy adult hamsters carry these bacteria, including the baby hamsters' mother.
Stress
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No matter what the age of the hamster, stress can trigger an inability to tolerate the normal bacteria in its gut. New hamsters brought home should only be handled in emergencies for the first few days to give them a chance to adjust to their new home. There also shouldn't be any sudden changes in diet. Introducing a new hamster can also be a stressful situation. Any new stock needs to be in quarantine for a few days to be sure they do not have wet tail or any other illness. Living in a very dirty cage can also cause stress, so cages, toys, water bottles and food dishes need regular cleaning.
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Genetics
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Vetbase.co.uk points out that one of the theories as to why some hamsters get wet tail and others don't is because some inherit a tendency not to tolerate normal gut bacteria. Holly Nash, DVM also advises that no one should buy a hamster from any hamster parent that had wet tail and recovered. (The chances of recovery are slight, but it can happen.)
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- Photo Credit Image from Wikimedia Commons.
