Health Issues

Here are a list of some of the most common health issues that hamster have and symptoms/causes to watch out for~

• Diabetes - Frequent urination and lethargy
• Diarrhea - Loose stools caused by poor diet, stress, internal parasites, unclean housing, or other illnesses
• Malocclusion - Overgrown teeth
• Mites, flies, & lice - External parasite that causes hamsters to lose patches of hair
• Cage paralysis (joint problems)- Weakness due to lack of exercise and/or a small cage.
  

If you see any of these symptoms, make sure to consult with an exotic animal veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible.

Here are some signs of a healthy hamster~

• Active, alert, & responsive
• Healthy, clean fur and clear eyes
• Eats and drinks regularly
  
• Clear breathing and walks normally

Symptoms of cancer~

• Lumps/Bumps on the hamster's skin- This can be a sign of either cancer or an abscess.
• Mange- If your hamster starts losing hair, then there is a possibility that it may have mange. Demodectic mange is often associated with some underlying disease that is set off (cancer).

-- Some neglect contacting a vet when their hamster is in need of one. You may think that hamsters are at all expensive, so it would be cheaper just to buy a new one, than taking it to a vet, but you must consider that hamsters are pets that deserve the care and attention of a veterinarian.--