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What is wet tail disease2007-11-24 22:17:42

Don't be mean, I just want to know, don't be afraid to be blunt as to what it is. Thanks.

Answers:

"Wet tail" is a very serious intestinal disease of young hamsters, which often causes death. It gets its name because the main symptom is diarrhea, and affected hamsters often have wet and dirty tails. It is caused by bacteria called Lawsonia intracellularis which can also cause disease in swine, horses, dogs, ferrets, primates and other animals. This disease does not appear to be transmissible to people.

Wet tail is more commonly seen in hamsters of weaning age (3-6 weeks old), but hamsters of all ages are susceptible. Hamsters sold in pet stores generally have just been weaned, so "wet tail" may occur soon after the hamster is taken home. All breeds of hamsters can develop wet tail, but long-haired "teddy bear" hamsters are most susceptible.

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its an infection similar to a bladder infection, although it is deadly.

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a wet tail decease means it has diarrhea

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Wet Tail is a disease that is thought to be stress related and often affects young hamsters around the time of weaning, as this can be a stressful time. It is also thought that Wet Tail can be caused by bad living conditions, etc which could also cause stress.

Wet Tail is a bacterial infection or an imbalance of the natural bacteria in the hamster's stomach or intestine and is often confused with diarrhoea. Although a hamster with Wet Tail has diarrhoea, the diarrhoea is so severe that the hamster is wet and/or dirty not only around the anus but usually around the top of the tail as well. The diarrhoea is accompanied by a strong unpleasant smell. Droppings are pale in colour and extremely soft and may contain mucus. The hamster often walks hunched up, is weak and lethargic and may squeal in pain.