Help! My hamster has a rectal prolapse. What should I do immediately?

I am sorry to hear about Thaddeus. I would unfortunately be concerned he is suffering from a condition called "wet tail" or proliferative ileitis. You can read more about it in this article: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=679 Unfortunately it does require veterinary care. Even if you were able to replace the prolapse if that is what your hamster has (I cannot really tell from this photo other than to see the hind end is raw and the fur is soiled/wet), we still have to treat the underlying cause of the prolapse. I would use this site: http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html to research ideas on how to help afford a veterinary bill.

Poor Kiwi. You can try some Vaseline or aquaphor on the area but I am afraid that she needs to be seen by a vet. It looks like the tissue could be becoming necrotic or becoming infection. This can cause serious illness. I would have her seen so that can try to replace the prolapse, treat the cause, and make sure she doesn't need any antibiotics. Unfortunately, there aren't any certain foods to help with this problem. I hope this helps!

I can see that Kiwi has what appears to be a dilated anus. This can be associated with a rectal prolapse, when a portion of the rectum everts to the outside. Parasites, high fiber diets, and increased abdominal pressure can cause this. I recommend having Kiwi seen by a vet as soon as possible, as this condition is likely uncomfortable for Kiwi. In the meantime, I recommend making sure she has plenty of soft, moistened food and monitoring her for signs such as hunched posture and weight loss. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Hello there! I'm sorry to hear that Lily is not doing well. Bleeding from the rectal area can be caused by several issues. If you're sure the blood is coming from her rectum and not from her urethra or vagina, she may have an intestinal problem, like constipation or a parasite. It's also possible that she has a common hamster condition called wet tail, if she also has loose stools. Wet tail is severe diarrhea that is sometimes accompanied by bloody stools in certain severe cases, and is caused by a bacterial infection. It can be deadly, so acquiring treatment by a veterinarian is important to ensure survival. If the blood could be coming from the vaginal or urethral area, she could have a uterine or urinary tract infection that is causing the bleeding. These openings are very close to each other in female hamsters, so it can be easy to mistake one for the other. All of these conditions require the assistance of a veterinarian to get Lily better. If the bleeding is prolific of if Lily is also lethargic, she may need to be seen right away. There is an exotic veterinarian near you that can help: Animal and Exotic Medical Center 18962 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Lutz, FL 33548 (813) 269-5200 In the meantime, keep Lily warm and calm. There is not likely much that you can do for her at home safely aside from keeping her rectal area clean. Good luck, and I hope Lily gets well soon!

Thanks for reaching out about Coco and including photos. This appears to be some type of prolapse, either urinary or reproductive, and is not normal. A veterinary visit s recommended. Monitor straining, urine production. Good luck.

Poor Roe! I agree, the pictures do look consistent with a rectal prolapse. If at all possible, try to find an emergency vet or a vet on call for after hours emergencies in your area for more urgent care, as it sounds as though Roe is uncomfortable based on his behavior. If there are vets available in your area, you can try to put an e-collar (cone) on Roe until you can get to the vet in the morning. This will prevent him from licking or chewing any prolapsed tissue, as this would make matters worse. You can also apply some water based lubricants (such as KY jelly) to the prolapsed tissue to prevent it from drying out. I hope that all goes well.

Thanks for reaching out about Hamlet and including a photo. If this is an everted cheek pouch, a veterinary visit is a necessity. He will likely be chewing on it and will become infected. It is understandable that anesthetic is a risk but return and suturing of the pouch is needed. Good luck.