Tapeworms make their home within the intestines
of hamsters and other small pets. Tapeworms are especially
dangerous because they are infectious not only to other hamsters
or other pets but also to humans. If you suspect your hamster
does have tapeworms ensure that you clean your hands thoroughly
after touching anything inside the hamsters enclosure. If
other hamsters are housed with the infected hamster they are
at great risk of contracting tapeworms. It is advised that
you move the infected hamster to a quarantine cage as soon
as possible. You will then need to change and dissinfect all
materials in the first cage to ensure you can eliminate the
tapeworms altogether.
In their early stages, tapeworms are very hard to detect
because they may not immediately cause any damage to the hamster.
In their later stages they can cause severe weight lose in
the hamster because the hamster will be unable to eat properly.
If you feel that your hamster may have tapeworms the only
way to confirm it is to take a fecal sample to your veternarian
for analysis. If tapeworms are confirmed by your veternarian
they will be able to suggest a treatment. |
