Hamsters are happy little rodents that have a lifespan of around two to three years. They make excellent pets for apartments, are easy to handle, and are loved by children and adults alike. Unfortunately, they do have a few health concerns, and bleeding from their bottoms is one of the first signs that something is wrong.
Your hamster may be bleeding from its bottom because of a urinary tract infection, wet tail disease (proliferative ileitis), pyometra, gastrointestinal issues, injury, tumors, or labor. Some of these problems aren’t serious, but most of them require your hamster to see a veterinarian.
Why Is My Hamster Bleeding From Its Bottom?
In this article, we’re going to take a deeper look at what may be causing your hamster to bleed from its bottom, other symptoms to look out for, and some care tips.
1. Urinary Tract Infection
Like humans, hamsters are prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are common in hamsters because their little bodies are close to the ground. When they walk around, they can easily pick up bacteria, which climbs up their urethra and into their bladder, causing infection. Bacteria can also enter their bodies through bad food or water.
UTIs are very uncomfortable and can even be painful, but if you spot the symptoms early and take your hamster to the vet, they can bring them back to good health in no time.
UTIs can go away naturally, but it’s a dangerous risk to take because if they don’t dissipate, they’ll worsen and turn into a kidney infection.
Symptoms to look out for with a UTI include:
- A wet bottom
- Frequent urination
- Battling to urinate
- A loss of appetite
- Blood in the urine (occasionally)
A hamster’s bottom and private parts are close together, and the blood may look like it’s coming from its bottom, but it’s actually flowing out with the urine.
If you think your hamster may have a UTI, make sure they’re drinking plenty of fresh water. Give them unsweetened cranberry juice to drink to flush out the bacteria, and make sure to take them to the vet that same day. Your vet will examine your hamster and most likely put them on an antibiotic.
Read How To Train Your Hamster To Cuddle
2. Wet Tail Disease (Proliferative Ileitis)
Wet tail disease is all too common in hamsters. It’s a serious disease, and if not treated quickly (by your vet), it can be fatal. Wet tail disease is caused by bacteria in the small intestine that causes it to become inflamed and results in watery and intense diarrhea.
Death isn’t a definite outcome with this disease if treated quickly. Unfortunately, you can do nothing to help your hamster except take them to the vet immediately in the United States of America. Your vet will likely give your hamster oral medication, along with antibiotics.
If your hamster has blood coming out of its bottom, along with diarrhea, it may have wet tail disease. Other symptoms that you’ll notice are:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- A wet bottom
- Bad smell coming from your hamster