pls help, lauren

Question
PLS PLS PLS HELP ME

i have two twin male Tan Russian Dwarf Hamsters that ive had for 2 1/2 years now. one, that used to be the chubbier one is now skinnier and has lost a lot of weight. his tail is always soaked with diarrea and he has a bump on on his stomach when i turned him over, it is about the size of a pimple and a lighter color than his skin. pls tell me what you think this could be??? and the diarrea what does that mean ?? and what can i do for him?


THEN, my second hamster, his eyes are no longer bright red theyve had a whiteness in the middle of them and he never stops scratiching himself when i take him out to play with him. hes always cleaning and scratching. and yesterday i noticed it looked like his ear was torn or scratched badly and the other ear is slowly getting red as well. i compared it to his brothers and his ears are VERY much more red. what could this mean? it seems like his skin is burning and his ears are chapped???

IM SORRY I WROTE SO LONG, I WANTED TO BE SPECIFIC FOR YOU. THANK YOU VERY VERY VERY MUCH. <33


Answer
The first one sounds like he has wet tail.  You need to immediately pick up some DriTail from the pet store or better yet, take him to the vet where they'll likely give him an antibiotic such as baytril.  He will not recover without treatment.  Keep him warm and take out any fresh foods or sugary treats.  

The second one sounds like he may be suffering from allergies or parasites.  What type of bedding are you using?  If it's pine or cedar that may be the case and you'll want to switch to aspen or carefresh (paper) bedding.  If you think it's parasites, it's most likely mites or fleas and he'll need medication from the vet to get rid of them.   You may be able to see them on his coat with a magnifying glass.

Both conditions are extremely contagious so place them in separate cages if possible.
Good luck and let me know if I can be of any more help,
Lauren