my dwarf hamster is sick

Question
My dwarf hamster seems really, really sick to me.
last night, she was running for what seemed like non-stop in her wheel, and then, when I woke up this morning, she was laying sprawled out on the floor of her cage.
At first, she appeared dead, but a few minutes later I noticed signs of her breathing. It's mostly regular, but just now she began breathing very quickly. Eventually it slowed to normal again.
Every couple minutes she will start moving her legs like she is walking, and twisting her back.
I think she may have wet tail. Her back end is thinner than the rest of her, and the fur around her tail appears to have been wet. It is dry now, but the fur is all slicked back.
Oh, and I just found out that my sister does not clean the cage when I am not home (I only visit every two weeks), another reason she may have wet tail.

Answer
It's possible.  Check her rear area as it will be wet (and remain wet) and have a distinct smell.  You can pick up DriTail medicine from a petstore or take her to the vet for an antibiotic.  If it is wet tail, she will not get better on her own.  Try to keep her warm and out of drafts and make sure the cage is clean.  Also, remove any fresh foods for now.  However, the rapid breathing could indicate an upper respiratory infection in which case she will need to go to a vet for treatment.

Let me know if I can be of any more help,
Lauren