Hamsters Essay Example For Students

Hamsters Essay QUICK REFERENCE FOR PROBLEMS, INJURIES AILMENTS(This section has been reviewed by Dr. Taylor Douglas, DVM, Sunriver Veterinary Clinic, Sunriver, Oregon) In general, hamsters (especially those in the wild) are robust little animals and arent affected by many natural diseases. But, they are very susceptible to the infectious diseases of other animals, including humans. Many of the problems and ailments now associated with hamsters are a direct result of captivity. Because they are small, a minor illness can rapidly become major if immediate treatment isnt pursued. Since they are nocturnal many of the early signs of illness are not noticed. To insure good health, hamsters should be checked regularly: to include eating habits, exercise habits, teeth, limbs, body check for lumps, cuts and abrasions, etc. etc. A sick hamster generally becomes irritable and bitey. They frequently become lethargic or walk almost stiff-legged if forced to move or may sit in a hunched position. The eyes are u sually dull, sunken and sometimes watery. And, they dont eat much, which results in weight loss. SYMPTOMPOSSIBLE CAUSEBlood in UrineBladder ; Kidney InfectionBloody DiarrheaIntussusceptionBreathing HeavyShock Colds ; InfluenzaBroken LimbBroken LimbBulging AnusConstipation Intussusception Rectal ProlapseClosed Eye(s)Impacted Pouch Irritated EyesConstipationEndoparasitesCrusty Lesions in ears, face, feetEar MitesCuts ; BitesAbscesses Cuts ; BitesDragging Hind QuartersBroken Limb Cage Paralysis Hind Limb ParalysisDry Scaly SkinDemodicosis Mange Mites Ringworm Sarcoptic MangeEating BabiesCannibalismEggs in FecesEndoparasitesExcessive DrinkingBladder ; Kidney Infection DiabetesExtreme DiarrheaTyzzers Disease Wet TailEye RuptureEye ProlapseFacial SwellingDental Caries Impacted PouchHair LossHair Loss Mange Mites RingwormHead TiltEar Infection StrokesInfertilityInfertilityLethargyColds Influenza Tyzzers Disease Wet TailLifelessHeat Stroke Hibernation Shock StrokesLo ng NailsOvergrown NailsLoose DroppingsAntibiotic Induced Diarrhea Diarrhea Loss of BalanceEar Infection Strokes LumpAbscesses Cancer ; Tumors Impacted Cheek Pouch Testicular tumorsOvergrown TeethOvergrown TeethParalysisCage Paralysis StrokesRunny NoseColds ; InfluenzaSalivationDental CariesScratchingAllergies Fleas Mange MitesShaking/TremblingDiabetes Heat Stroke Hibernation StrokeSneezingAllergies Colds ; InfluenzaSwollen AbdomenConstipationSwollen Eye GlaucomaTires EasilyStrokesUnable to have BabiesDystociaWatery EyesAllergies Colds ; Influenza Irritated EyesWhite Film on EyeCataractsWeight LossDiabetes Endoparasites Tyzzers DiseaseWet BottomAntibiotic Induced Diarrhea Diarrhea Wet TailWheezingAllergies Colds InfluenzaVaginal BleedingDystocia Ovarian Cystsback to top Common Problems and Ailments ALLERGIES Hamsters can become allergic to bedding (particularly cedar shavings), some foods, cigarette smoke, perfumes, furniture polish, etc. It is also thought tha t some allergies are hereditary. Increased scratching, sneezing, runny eyes, swollen feet, wheezing or white flakes around the eyes and ears after the introduction of something new are a sign of a possible allergic reaction. Remove whatever has been added to the cage or food and watch for signs of improvement. If there is no improvement within a couple of days, it might be the result of an infection and veterinarian advice should be sought. ANTIBIOTIC INDUCED DIARRHEA Antibiotics with a narrow spectrum against gram-positive organisms, especially erythromycin, penicillin, lincomycin, cephalosporin and streptomycin can cause diarrhea. Symptoms and treatment are the same are those for diarrhea. BLADDER OR KIDNEY INFECTION One of the first signs is excessive drinking, which in turn creates increased urinating. Occasionally there is blood in the urine and the hamster may squeal in pain while urinating. Immediate veterinarian assistance is required. CANCER TUMORS Both internal and ext ernal cancerous tumors can develop. The external tumors are generally noticed as a hard lump that grows rapidly. It is possible for a veterinarian to successfully remove external tumors. However, internal tumors are not normally diagnosed early enough for surgical intervention. Symptoms include weight loss and a general appearance of being ill. CAGE PARALYSIS A disorder resulting from hamsters being confined in a cage that is too small and doesnt allow it sufficient exercise. The symptoms include the hamster appearing to be semi-crippled by dragging its back end around. There is, however, a very simple cure and an even simpler preventative measure a larger cage and more exercise. It is also thought that diets low in Vitamins D and E may be a contributing factor to this condition. Vitamin supplements may be beneficial. 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