Sick Chinese Dwarf Hamster

Question
I just got two chinese dwarf hamsters, and one has bloody red spots on it's tail and ankles,and also it has a wet bottom. What do you think it is?

Answer
Hi

Are they living together?  If so, the first thing that comes to mind is that perhaps they have been fighting.  Do these marks look like bite marks?  If they are, then plasma comes out of wounds and makes the area wet and can leave little red dots of blood where the teeth went in.

If you think this could be the case, I would strongly advise that you get them both to a vet for examination - if they are fighting/chewing each other you will probbaly need to separate them.  If they are bite marks, then the hamster that has been bitten will need antibiotics and probably rehydration and pain relief.

Apart from these marks, how are the hamsters behaving?  Are they behaving the same - i.e. are they both active, eating and drinking normally?  Or is the one with the red spots quiet?  Are there any other signs on its body that something is wrong?  Is he sitting hunched up in a corner or is he playing as usual?  Also, if they live together are they still sleeping together or are they sleeping in opposite sides of the cage?

Did you get them from a pet shop?  If so, were they with any other hamsters.  It might be that another hamster that was with them has caused these problems.

More information would help in shedding light on what is happening, however, I would advise that you examine both hamsters thoroughly and get them checked out.

Please let me know how you get on at your vet.

Regards
Sheila