My hamster's fur is strange after sticky trap removal. Is it wet tail?

Thanks for reaching out about Hammy. You can wipe him with a warm, moistened clean towel. If recurs, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Intestinal parasites or infections, metabolic disorders (liver, kidney), ingested foreign bodies, exposure to toxins and other conditions can cause a soft stool. Good luck.

It sounds like your hamster could have a potentially life threatening condition called wet tail. This condition can be brought on by stress (which it sounds like yours may have had some of recently) and it can be quite dangerous. If not treated by a veterinarian asap, it can be fatal. Please seek treatment as soon as you can. In the meantime, clean the cage very well and minimize stress as much as possible; do not hold the hamster or have any new or abnormal conditions to his environment.

You can try some mineral oil or coconut oil to see if that will help get the glue from her fur. She is likely exhausted from trying to get off the glue trap. If she doesn't start perking up in the next day or two or if she is refusing to eat (especially her favorite treats) then I would have your vet take a look at her. You vet will be able to make sure everything looks okay and prescribe her any pain meds if needed. I hope this helps!

He should be examined by your veterinarian. If he has "wet tail" (proliferative ileitis), he will need treatment and supportive care. Keep his cage clean. Change bedding daily if necessary. Keep him warm and as stress free as possible. Discontinue feeding any treats, fruits or vegetables until he recovers.

Wet tail, or Proliferative Ileitis, is an extremely serious gastrointestinal disease and Hamsters can die from it very quickly. it is caused by a bacterium called Lawsonia intracellularis and hamsters get infected when contaminated feces get on their food and they then ingest the fecally contaminated food. If the hamster is stressed it exacerbates the condition. Since this is an emergency you will need to have your hamster seen by a vet immediately. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medications and subcutaneous and oral fluids to combat dehydration. In addition to that you need to thoroughly sanitize his cage to prevent re-infection and make sure your hamster is kept clean and warm.

Yes, there are veterinarians that will treat small mammals, or "pocket pets". Honey should be examined and treated if it is wet tail and this can be a life threatening condition in such a small pet. She will likely need antibiotics and medication to treat diarrhea. Keep her cage clean. Replace bedding daily. Make sure she continues to eat and drink normally. Discontinue feeding treats, fruit and vegetables until she recovers.

I am sorry that sesame isn't himself right now. My biggest concern is that something is causing the crust in the hair on his rear end. He potentially could have a wound, skin infection, parasites or even diarrhea. The hair is likely falling out secondary to this dried debris and him potentially chewing. I would strongly recommend you contact your veterinarian for an exam so they can figure out what is causing the fur to stick together in the first place and possible medications if needed. I hope this sweet boy starts to feel better really soon!