My hamster has a messy bottom. Is it wet-tail? How do I clean it?

As long as he is eating and behaving, it is probably not wet tail. Typically, they are lethargic and not eating. You can clean him up gently with a plain, unscented baby wipe or pet wipe. Make sure he is dry, warm and stress free afterwards. Monitor for the above symptoms as wet tail can be serious if not addressed promptly by your veterinarian.

The wet bottom could be due to diarrhoea. These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver), which is a very concerning sign in hamsters. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics are likely to be needed. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do back home, as medications are required as soon as possible. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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.

for right now, keeping Eliot fed & providing adequate moisture is the key. Soaking his pellets, offering fruit & vegetable baby foods, even using Oxbows Critical Care for bunnies is appropriate. If he is still symptomatic on Monday, have your veterinarian evaluate him in case he needs deworming or an antibiotic. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, & sorry for the disconnect. The dog hit return on my keyboard.

That area could be inflamed because of diarrhoea for example or because of a skin infection (commonly bacterial infection or due to mites infestation). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately.

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Remy. A veterinary visit is recommended as soon as possible as does sound as if she is fairly ill. Concerns over maggots in the feces/wet bedding. Clean cage well, offer food/water via a syringe until a veterinary visit can be scheduled. Good luck.