MadSci Network: General Biology |
Hamsters usually have a life span of 18 to 24 months, but older individuals are reported frequently. Some of the husbandry problems that may occure with hamsters are fighting, cannibalism of young, escape from cages, susceptibility to climatic changes, and food and water deprivation. Examples of common health problems you might see in hamsters: Dermatitis Patches of hair loss. Hair coat appears greasy, unkept. Hamster's skin is irritated and the hamster scratches often. May become a humane issue if it is severe. Bite wounds Areas of redness which can be found anywhere on the body but are common near the base of the tail. May be some bleeding involved. Malocclusion Teeth continuously grow in hamsters. If they are not aligned properly and don't wear down normally, the teeth will grow too long, into the mouth (inside the mouth) or into the lips (outside the mouth). The teeth should be trimmed with scissors or toe nail trimmers if this develops. Prolapsed rectum The rectum is protruding outside of the body. In some cases these hamsteres can live a normal life with this condition. Tumors Aged hamsters (2 years) commonly develop tumors, which can appear anywhere on the hamster. Vaginal discharge Hamster urine is light yellow, opaque, and thick. A stringy vaginal exudate is normal on the day after estrus. Dystosia Difficult birth. Pyometra Purulent material fills the Uterus. May or may not exit the body through the vagina. Wet tail Synonym for a diarrheal complex. The rear end of the hamster appears wet from diarrhea accumulating around the fur. Pup mortality When nursing mothers are upset, they will put the pups in their cheek pouches to protect them. If they are in there too long they may suffocate and die. Hibernating A hamster may hibernate for 1 to 3 days in response to cool temperatures (6 degrees Celsius) or shortened light cycles (2 hours). References: Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents Training materials from Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan
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