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My hamster's underbelly is damp and has a strong
Sent to Pet Experts May 09 06:16 PM

My hamster's underbelly is damp and has a strong odor. I was scared it is wet tail, but He does not have diarrhea, he's eating, drinking and pooping. Any ideas what to do?

 

Optional Information:
Age: 1; Male; Breed: syrian hamster

Already Tried:
Clean bedding I use aspen.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Answer
May 9 11:43 PM (5 hours and 26 minutes and 49 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Hi,

It's possible your hamster has a urinary tract infection. When they do, they tend to drink a lot, urinate a lot, and sometimes there is blood in the urine. The urine tends to be very smelly, too. If your hamster does have a UTI, he may be getting urine on his underside, and that's what's making him smell.

You need to take him to a vet to confirm it's a UTI, and for treatment with antibiotics if it is.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Susan

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Susan Kollgaard -- Guinea Pig and Rabbit Rescue -- 100% Positive Feedback on 220 Pet Accepts
I work with Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue and the House Rabbit Society and House Rabbit Sanctuary.
Reply
May 10 8:42 AM (8 hours and 59 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
Reply to Susan Kollgaard's Post: Hi Susan,

Thank you. I started treating him last night with the Wet Tail antibiotic treatment from the pet store... because I was scared to death he had wet tail even though I'm fairly certain he doesn't. Do you think that treatment will work on the UTI? Do you know how much vets charge to treat hamsters...I've never had to take one in.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 10 1:34 PM (4 hours and 51 minutes and 28 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Hi,

The treatment for wet tail from the pet store probably won't be effective on a UTI. To be honest, the pet store treatments are even effective on wet tail. It's better to take him to the vet for treatment. I'm not sure how much a vet charges for a hamster, but you can certainly call several and ask. I go to an exotic vet who charges $66 for guinea pigs and rabbits. My vet's a little on the high side, so I think you can expect to pay less than that.

Let me know how your hamster does.

Susan

Picture
Susan Kollgaard -- Guinea Pig and Rabbit Rescue -- 100% Positive Feedback on 220 Pet Accepts
I work with Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue and the House Rabbit Society and House Rabbit Sanctuary.
Reply
May 10 1:55 PM (20 minutes and 52 seconds later)
         
Reply to Susan Kollgaard's Post: Thank you. I added an extra $5 on your first answer.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 10 6:40 PM (4 hours and 45 minutes and 37 seconds later)
         
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Susan Kollgaard -- Guinea Pig and Rabbit Rescue -- 100% Positive Feedback on 220 Pet Accepts
I work with Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue and the House Rabbit Society and House Rabbit Sanctuary.
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