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I am a veterinarian treating hamsters from a pet store and ...

Sent to Pet Experts March 07 02:06 PM

I am a veterinarian treating hamsters from a pet store and am currently stumped on this one. Have seen 3 hamsters that have been in the store for 2 weeks now that have swollen legs-feet. Tried on baytril and I see they are frturning today because the edematous lets are now ulcerated. Diet same, breeders the same, and eating and stools normal. Now not eating. Have never seen this before. Thanks for any help. Dr Mark

 

Optional Information:
Age: <1; Breed: hamster

Already Tried:
baytril discussed autopsy

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Answer
March 7 2:44 PM (37 minutes and 19 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

It sounds like you are dealing with a very severe case of bumblefoot (bacterial pododermatitis). One thing you can do is clean their legs with chlorhexadine three times daily. I also recommend changing their bedding to Carefresh instead of any of the shavings for the time being. Change the bedding frequently to avoid adding to the problem with soiled litter. If you can I would recommend trying to get an xray on at least the worst patient to evaluate whether infection has gotten to the bone. Since the enrofloxacin is not effective it may be time to consider chloramphenicol or trimethoprim-sulfa and dexamethasone.

Please let me know if further assistance is needed.

Theresa



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Theresa -- The Voice for Your Pet -- 100% Positive Feedback on 903 Pet Accepts
Veterinary Technician for 15 years
Reply
March 7 7:53 PM (5 hours and 9 minutes and 6 seconds later)
         
Reply to Theresa's Post: It's not in the joints like we would normaly see with bumble foot. This started out with edema on the distal limbs like you would see with kidney failure or heart problems. I don't think we see amyloidosis in one's this young and would think they would stop eating first. Tried to get them to autopy one, but no luck yet! I've seen many hamters but nothing like this!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 7 8:06 PM (13 minutes and 16 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

It is possible that the baytril has caused them to stop eating and not the condition. Usually, amyloidosis doesn't show up until they are around 1 year though it can be seen in hamsters as young as 5 months. I suspect you have a genetic issue going on if bacterial is unlikely. If they are of the same family then the likelihood is higher that there may be a genetic heart anomaly or kidney disease. It sure would be nice to at least have xrays and bloodwork on them so that you know what you are dealing with. Since they aren't up for a necropsy or any testing as of yet you may want to try a change in the antibiotic. You might also want to see if giving some kaopectate will help to soothe their tummies. I am afraid to say try SQ fluids as if this is a heart or kidney issue it may very well kill them.

Have you talked to the breeder to determine if there are any other sickly hamsters in her colony?

Theresa



If I was helpful please hit ACCEPT if you need more help just let me know.
In the case of an emergency please contact your veterinarian or emergency center.
Feedback is appreciated!
Picture
Theresa -- The Voice for Your Pet -- 100% Positive Feedback on 903 Pet Accepts
Veterinary Technician for 15 years
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