February 5, 2025, 9:14 am | Read time: 3 minutes
If your hamster suddenly has severe diarrhea and is lying lethargic in its cage, you should act quickly. This behavior may be caused by wet tail disease, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Wet tail disease is one of the most dangerous diseases that can affect hamsters. It is highly contagious, often fatal, and mainly affects young dwarf hamsters and golden hamsters. PETBOOK explains everything about the causes and symptoms of this serious disease, as well as its treatment and prevention.
What Is Wet Tail Disease?
Wet tail disease, also known simply as wet tail, is a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract in hamsters that leads to severe diarrhea. The name comes from one of the most striking symptoms: the wet, soiled tail area of the affected hamster. The disease is usually caused by the bacterium Lawsonia intracellularis but can also be promoted by other pathogens or stress factors.1
Causes
Wet tail disease mainly affects young hamsters. One of the main causes of the disease is stress—for example, sudden changes such as a new cage or transportation. Separation from the mother too early can also lead to the disease. However, other factors, such as poor nutrition and lack of hygiene, also play a role. For example, an unbalanced or spoiled diet can disrupt the intestinal flora, and an unclean cage can promote the growth of pathogens.
Symptoms
The disease often develops within a few days and manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- Watery, foul-smelling diarrhea
- Wet, dirty anus and tail area
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Lethargy and hunched posture
- A shaggy, unkempt coat
- Dehydration (sunken eyes and dry skin)
If you notice any of these symptoms in your hamster, you should consult a vet as soon as possible. An untreated hamster can die within a few days as a result of the disease.2
Treatment of Wet Tail Disease
If wet tail disease is suspected, it is crucial to consult a vet as soon as possible since the resulting dehydration is life-threatening for the hamster. The vet will usually prescribe an antibiotic and an anti-diarrheal agent. In severe cases, hydration by injection may also be necessary.
You can also perform some first-aid measures yourself. These include isolating the hamster if it is kept with other animals to prevent infection of the other animals and offering fresh water using a pipette to counteract the high fluid loss. You should also refrain from feeding fresh and fatty foods such as nuts, opting instead for specially formulated recovery food. After successful treatment, it is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect the enclosure to prevent re-infection.3
Zoonoses Feline zoonoses: Cats can transmit these diseases to humans
Triggers of diarrhea Giardia in dogs — symptoms, causes, and treatment
Heart Attacks and Related Conditions These Are the Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Suddenly Die
What Are the Chances of Survival?
Wet tail disease is a life-threatening disease. Due to the rapid dehydration of the hamster, it requires rapid action. With prompt treatment, the survival rate is approximately 50 percent. However, if the disease progresses quickly, a cure is often not possible. Nevertheless, treatment should always be given, as there are hamsters that can survive this disease.