Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 06:54 pm
Keeping hamsters is interesting and fun because they make our day more fun and know how to make us laugh like no other.
We in turn feed and protect them as best we can.
But sometimes hamsters have problems with their health and we have to help them as best we can either ourselves or take them to the vet.
One of those problems with our furry friends is bottom bleeding.
Bleeding from the bottom in hamsters can be dangerous for their health and therefore we must take care and see why this occurrence happens.
In today’s article, we will find out why hamsters bleed on their bottoms and what we can do to help them.
Why is my hamster bleeding from the bottom?
Bleeding in the bottom of hamsters is a problem and can be from infections, wet tail, pyometra, gastrointestinal problems, injury, and cancer.
So let’s see in detail how these reasons can cause bleeding on their bottom.
Cancer
Hamsters are unfortunately animals that often get cancer, but fortunately most of the time their cancer is in a benign form, while only 4% are malignant or life-threatening.
When hamsters bleed at the bottom, cancer can be the cause of this occurrence.
When hamsters have a tumor they also have other symptoms such as:
- swellings
- attacks
- bleeding at the bottom
- weight loss
- lack of appetite
- wounds on the body
The earlier the tumor is diagnosed, the faster it will cure in hamsters and avoid further bottom bleeding in your pets.
An injury
Not necessarily every time a hamster bleeds on its bottom that something is too dangerous.
Sometimes a wound from a cut or injury, scratches, etc. can cause bleeding at the bottom.
Therefore, you should carefully examine the hamster or take it to a veterinarian if you cannot determine the exact place of the injury and the cause of the bleeding.
Stomach ache
Hamsters may experience bleeding on their bottoms from the stomach and digestive problems.
Hamsters have a very delicate digestive system and often have problems with digestion and the gastrointestinal tract.
When you notice that the hamster is hiding, sitting in the corner, and does not want to play, then it is obvious that it is not well and may have stomach problems and bleeding in the lower part of the body.
Check the cage for blood anywhere on the bedding because blood is common when they have stomach issues.
Infections
Infections can cause bleeding at the bottom of the vagina.
Also,infections can be from different things like:
- urine infection
- bladder infection
- kidney stones
All these infections and the appearance of stones in their kidneys or urinary tract are dangerous and can be the cause of bottom bleeding.
When they have infections, hamsters have blood in their urine, as well as difficulty urinating, as well as a poor appetite.
Apart from the fact that such infections cause blood on the bottom, they are also dangerous for the overall health of the hamsters.
Wet tail
Wet tail is one of the most dangerous diseases that can affect a hamster, and among other problems, it causes bottom bleeding.
Specifically, a wet tail is diarrhea that must be treated immediately, otherwise, the consequences can be fatal and the hamsters can die.
When hamsters have a wet tail they also have the following symptoms:
- blood in the poop
- stomach ache
- weight loss
- loss of appetite
Some breeds of hamsters such as Syrian and older hamsters are more likely to get wet tails, while Roborovski hamsters have the least chance of getting this dangerous disease.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the cause of possible bleeding on the lower part of the hamster’s body.
If the female hamster is pregnant, she may bleed during pregnancy due to tearing of the uterine lining, although initially, it appears to be bleeding from the anus.
However, this kind of bleeding does not last long, and if it lasts longer then the pregnant female hamster should be taken to a veterinarian for a checkup.
Pyometra
Pyometra is a disease that occurs only in female hamsters and is caused by an infection of the uterus.
Usually, this disease appears after pregnancy or mating of female hamsters.
There are two types of pyometra:
- open pyometra
- closed pyometra
When female hamsters have an open pyometra, blood leaks from the vulva.
This is most likely the main reason why the hamster is bleeding from the bottom.
When hamsters have this infection, there is a calving of the stomach, an unpleasant smell, and discharge.
When hamsters have closed pyometra, then the blood collects in the hamster’s body and is more difficult to detect, which can be very dangerous for hamsters.
If the closed pyometra is not treated promptly, the bacteria will spread and can cause sepsis and death of the hamster.
Read more: Why Is My Hamster Awake During The Day? (Let’s Discover)
What to do if hamsters are bleeding from the bottom?
If your hamster is bleeding from the bottom you should take certain steps to help your pet.
In any case, the hamster will have pain that must be treated as soon as possible so that it can heal.
The visit to the veterinarian is the most important and must not be delayed, because if you delay the condition of the hamster will be even worse.
Depending on the cause of bleeding on the bottom of the hamster, the veterinarian will take the following measures.
- If the hamster has a urinary tract infection then a urine test will have to be done to see if the blood is a result of the infection. A urinary tract infection if not treated leads to even worse problems like a kidney infection.
- The vet will prescribe medicines such as Enrofloxacin – an oral medication that helps to overcome the problem. When hamsters have bleeding from a wet tail, it is necessary to start antibiotic therapy immediately. If as a result of the wet tail, the hamster becomes dehydrated, then he will have to receive intravenous fluid to get hydration faster because dehydration is dangerous for the hamster’s life, it can die in two days.
- When female hamsters have pyometra then therapy must be started immediately because the female hamster can die. That’s why they give her antibiotics or, if necessary, an operation, even though hamsters have a hard time withstanding operations.
- It is best for hamsters if the bleeding on the bottom is from a cut or injury because then the problem is easier to solve. Take lukewarm water, wash the area and wipe it with a cotton cloth, and if it does not stop bleeding, then you should take the pet to the vet.
Read more: How To Choose Safe Hamster Bedding? (Let’s Discover)
Conclusion
Bottom bleeding in hamsters can occur for a number of reasons such as infections, bacteria, wet tails, pregnancy, cuts, and tumors.
Bleeding from the bottom is a dangerous phenomenon that must be treated promptly to avoid complications for the hamster’s life.
Especially a wet tail and urinary tract infections can very quickly threaten the life of hamsters.
If the hamster is bleeding due to an injury, it will probably go away quickly by cleaning with lukewarm water.
Bottom bleeding in hamsters must in any case be treated by a veterinarian who will best help you overcome this unpleasant and painful problem in your pet.
