Wet-tail

The wet -tail disease (English for wet tail disease) - Syn Proliferative ileitis ( proliferative Hüftdarmentzündung ) or Transmissible Ileumhyperplasie ( transferable Hüftdarmverdickung ) - is a diarrheal disease in young hamsters. The cause of the disease is unknown, an infectious agent is suspected. Additional factors such as poor hygiene and feeding, and stress also play a role. Most hamsters at the age of 3-8 weeks are affected.

Clinical picture

In the acute form of the animals showing diarrhea and dehydration aqueous fatigue. They usually ends after 48 hours fatal. In the subacute form occur diarrhea, weight loss and growth retardation as well as dehydration. Occasionally, the disease results in a transfer of the ileum, leading to a Darmeinstülpung or a rectal prolapse.

Treatment

In an early-onset treatment, the cure rate is about 50%. The loss of liquid is absorbed by administration of electrolyte solutions. In addition, antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin, tetracycline or erythromycin can be used.