Wet tail syndrome, also known as Transmissible Ileal Hyperplasia (transmissible proliferative ileitis), is a contagious acute gastrointestinal disease caused by fungi. Hamsters suffering from wet tail syndrome must be accompanied by severe diarrhea, resulting in wet buttocks and tails, hence the name.

Generally, stress caused by weaning, changes in environment, disordered diet, dirty cages and overcrowding may cause it.

Symptoms of wet tail syndrome

Diarrhea and watery stools, grayish white in color, accompanied by stench. The hamster has a loss of appetite and is listless. Your back may appear to be hunched when walking or sitting. In severe cases, blood in the stool and rectal prolapse may occur.

Wet tail is undoubtedly a serious disease for hamsters. Generally, hamsters will die of dehydration due to severe diarrhea within 2-3 days.

It should be noted that ordinary diarrhea is not the same as wet tail.

What to do if a hamster has a wet tail

Detect and treat it as early as possible, because the mortality rate is very high!

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1. A sick hamster will have diarrhea or even dehydration. You can add water to it, feed it an appropriate amount of antidiarrheal medicine, and place it in a warm and clean environment.

2. You can go to the drugstore to buy gentamicin injection, dilute it 1/30 and let the hamster drink it (it is recommended to consult a doctor first, and then follow the doctor's advice). It will take effect in 1-3 days. During the period of taking the medicine, the hamster's poop will be significantly reduced.

3. The food you feed should be mild. Do not feed it fresh vegetables and fruits, which may cause diarrhea. You can let it eat some hamster-specific food that is less irritating, such as cereal and porridge.

4. Many hamsters suffer from wet tail syndrome but die due to dehydration, so it is best to give the sick hamster some diluted glucose to replenish water and physical strength.

5. Wet tail syndrome is a disease with high contagion and high mortality. Therefore, once a hamster is found to be sick, it must be isolated in time, the cage should be cleaned and disinfected, and replaced with clean bedding. Always wash your hands before touching it.