Absceses
Abscesses are caused when a bite or scratch becomes infested, sealing over before the infection is gone. This wound then becomes a pus-filled lump that will require antibiotics to cure. It sounds nasty, but the good news is that with veterinary care your hamster will likely recover quickly.

Aspergillis Fungus
This strange-sounding fungus is found in the cage where your hamster urinates. If allowed to grow it will release spores into the cage, infecting your hamster. You can recognize this fungus by black or white coloring over the area where your hamster regularly urinates.

This is where regular cage-cleaning pays off, as the fungus won’t get a chance to grow if the cage is hygienic. It’s also important to remove any fresh food treats you may have laid out for your hamster before they rot, as the fungus will grow on rotting food too.

A quick trip to the vet will be required if you spot this fungus, as antibiotics will be needed to treat your hamster. You don’t want to waste any time doing this, as if treatment is left too late this fungus can kill your hamster. Remember, this fungus is airborne, so if the cage is shared by multiple hamsters they will all have to make a visit to the vet.

Allergies
We talked about the different bedding materials available to hamsters, and that some can cause allergic reactions in hamsters. Hamsters can also suffer from allergic reactions to things such as certain types of food, dust, cleaning solution, etc, so be on the lookout for allergy symptoms.

If you suspect the cause of the allergic reaction, the simplest thing to do is remove it from the hamster’s cage. If the symptoms disappear then your problem is solved; however, if your hamster continues to show symptoms or displays a severe allergic reaction then you should seek veterinary help immediately.

Bladder and Kidney Infections
As with us humans, antibiotics will be required to treat this type of infection. Once treated, your hamster should recover quickly. Make sure your hamster has access to plenty of water while on the medication, and it’s a good idea to clean the cage a little more often, and hamsters with this kind of infection are more susceptible to infection by the Aspergillis Fungus.

Colds
Interestingly, hamsters can catch colds from us humans, so if you’re suffering from one you should limit your contact with your hamster as much as possible. Cold drafts can also cause this illness in hamsters.

If your hamster is continuing to eat normally then it is likely he is suffering from a mild cold, and should recover on his own. Just make sure he’s got plenty of bedding to stay warm in, and that no drafts are blowing on his cage. However, if he shows signs of a more severe cold (such us weight loss or wheezing) then you should take him to a vet immediately, as he will likely require antibiotic treatment.

Constipation
If your hamster isn’t drinking enough water, or is eating too much pellet food he can become constipated. Make sure he has access to plenty of water, and offer him some fresh fruit and vegetables. If you don’t notice an improvement the day after you make these changes you should take him to the vet. Some medication will likely be prescribed, after which your hamster will recover quickly.

Dental Problems
As we mentioned earlier, a hamster’s teeth grow continually throughout its life. If they aren’t kept trim they can grow to lengths at which it becomes very difficult for the hamster to eat. If you notice wetness around the mouth, or the hamster dropping a lot of the food he’s attempting to pick up, it could be due to overly long teeth. A trip to the vet and a short stint under anesthetic to file the teeth down and he’ll be as good as new, although it may require multiple treatments to fully recover.

Diabetes
Although it can be found in any species of hamster, it’s most prevalent in Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters. If you suspect your hamster has diabetes you should consult a vet immediately for treatment and advice on your hamsters new, diabetes-friendly diet plan.

Diarrhea
Hamsters can suffer from diarrhea for a number of reason, the two most common are too much fresh fruit and vegetables, and sudden changes in their diet.

Diarrhea can rapidly dehydrate your hamster, so the best solution is to take him to the vet immediately. It could be as simple as too much fresh fruit and veggies, but it could also be a sign of Wet Tail, a far more serious condition. Err on the side of caution in this case, and get your hamster to a vet straight away.

Ear Infections
As with humans, antibiotic treatment will be required to clear up the infection.

Eye Problems
Hamsters can sometimes catch eye infections which, if they persist, will need veterinary treatment. You may notice your hamster has his eye shut all the time – this can be caused by something stuck in his eye, such as a piece of bedding material. If this is the case, gently wash the eye with lukewarm water and some cotton.

Heat Stroke
If your hamster is suffering from the hot weather he may succumb to heat stroke. Move the cage to a cooler spot in the house (but not near a draft), and gently blow on him to see if he responds. If he doesn’t, try spraying him with a fine mist of water. If there’s still no response then you’ll need to get him to a vet immediately.


Lung Infection
If a lung infection is suspected you will need to get your hamster to a vet immediately. Antibiotics will be needed to treat the infection, and early treatment is a must if the hamster is to recover.

Mange
Mange is a highly contagious and nasty disease caused by mites. These mites can survive in the bedding material of cages, and so any groups of hamsters living together must be separated, and the infected cage cleaned with disinfectant. Keep an eye on any other pets you may have in your house too, as one of them may have been responsible for passing the mites along to your hamster!

Any infected hamsters will need to be taken to the vet straight away for treatment.

Ringworm
Highly contagious and easily spotted due to the distinct round bald patches it causes, Ringworm can easily spread to other hamsters in the cage, so the infected hamster will need to be isolated. Veterinary treatment will be required in order for the hamster to recover.

Strokes
If a hamster suffers a stroke, it usually occurs in the evening when he is active. Often confused with an ear infection, a stroke tends to leave a lasting head tilt long after the stroke has occurred.

Hamsters that have suffered a stroke can recover to a large degree, although they will need easy access to food and water in the early days after the stroke. In severe cases it may be necessary to hand feed and water the hamster until he regains enough mobility to help himself.

Tumors
If you’ve ruled out that the lump you’ve found is not a scent gland or an abscess, you may be dealing with a tumor. Cancer is actually quite rare in hamsters, and occurs mostly in old age. External tumors are usually quite treatable, with the hamster recovering nicely. Internal tumors are harder to diagnose and are often accompanied by other symptoms.


There may be very little you can do if this is the case, but by all means consult a vet to weigh your options.

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