Oral antibiotics and sometimes pain medications may be needed to treat the infection. If ear debris is visible a gentle cleaning may also be helpful.
Do hamster ear infections go away?
Ear infections can cause hamsters to run in circles aimlessly. The condition is distressing, but rarely fatal . A vet can prescribe a medicine that will help clear the ear infection, and can also check to ensure that there is not a more serious brain-related problem.
What antibiotics can I give my hamster?
Several antibiotic treatments are recommended, including doxycycline (5–10 mg/kg, PO, twice a day for 5–7 days), enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg, PO or IM, twice a day for 5–7 days), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (30 mg/kg, PO, twice a day for 5–7 days).
How do you know if your hamster is infected?
Signs of infection can include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, rough hair coat, and a swollen or bloated abdomen . Transmission of the bacteria occurs when the hamster's food or bedding is contaminated by insects or wild rodents. Once a hamster is infected with Salmonella, treatment is not recommended.
How do you clean a hamster infection?
Provide as much moisture as possible in order to help rehydrate your pet, in the form of water and wet foods such as lettuce. Get your pet to the vet asap. The vet may prescribe some antibiotics to fight the infection, and may be able to take emergency measures to help the hamster rehydrate.
How do you treat a sick hamster?
If a hamster is ill or injured, keep them warm and encourage them to take some food or water (by dropper if necessary) until a vet can be seen.
How can I get my hamster to take antibiotics?
Bowl Method. You can mix the medication dose into a small (pea-sized) amount of baby food or wet dog food . Only use a little bit of the food so the hamster can eat it quickly and therefore take the whole dose.
Can you get sick from a hamster?
Hamsters can carry salmonella , an intestinal bacteria that causes short but intense bouts of sickness in healthy adults. However, it can produce more severe problems if a pregnant woman passes it to their unborn child.
How do you know if your hamster has an ear infection?
With an inner ear infection, bacteria from a dirty environment or a respiratory infection enters the ear canal . The pressure that the infection causes inside the ear canal may result in a hamster feeling off-balance and in pain. This results in circling when it walks and some hamsters may even fall over.
Do girl hamsters get their period?
Estrous Cycle
Can I treat a hamster abscess at home?
The abscess may then need to be flushed with saline and antibacterial agents and antibiotics are typically prescribed for you to administer at home. The exact treatment may vary depending on the location and severity of the abscess.
How do I take my hamster to the vet?
- Get a proper small animal carrier. ...
- Get your small animal pet used to the carrier. ...
- Have the right accessories. ...
- Make sure the temperature is right. ...
- Be sure the carrier is secured in the car. ...
- Bring snacks. ...
- Make the animal hospital a fun place.
What can I feed my sick hamster?
Adding some tasty, protein-rich foods to your hamster's diet may help it fight illness and recover. Remember to wash the dish as necessary with certain high-protein foods such as eggs or milk. The following are good sources of protein for an ailing hamster: Plain scrambled eggs .
Can you give a hamster antibiotics?
Antibiotics should never be given to hamsters unless they are prescribed by your vet .
