Small Mammal Diarrhea can be a very serious health issue for small mammals, particularly if left untreated or misdiagnosed. Diarrhea, also known as loose stools, is defined as having three or more bowel movements in 24 hours that are liquid or semi-liquid in form. Common causes of diarrhea include dietary changes, parasites, infections and certain types of medications. It’s important to monitor your small mammal closely if they are having signs of diarrhea, and get veterinary care as soon as possible.
A thorough physical examination by your veterinarian is the best way to determine the cause of the diarrhea. Your vet can also run laboratory tests, such as a fecal exam and/or a bacterial culture, to check for parasites or bacteria in the intestines. Depending on results, your vet might prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the condition. Your vet might recommend dietary changes and/or supplements to help get your small mammal’s digestive system back in balance.
It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s advice and stick with any recommended treatment plan. In some cases, dehydration due to diarrhea can be a life-threatening issue, and it’s important to monitor your small mammal’s drinking habits and get immediate veterinary care if they become dehydrated. If you have any questions or concerns about your small mammal’s diarrhea, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Small Mammal Diarrhea
Symptoms of small mammal diarrhea can vary depending on the underlying cause, but typically include frequent watery stools, straining during defecation, and increased frequency of defecation. Other possible symptoms can include:
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- Blood in their stool
If your small mammal has any of these signs, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to start treatment.
Diagnosing Small Mammal Diarrhea
Diagnosing small mammal diarrhea requires a thorough physical examination, as well as laboratory tests. During the physical exam, your veterinarian will take your small mammal’s temperature and listen to their heart and lungs. They might also feel their abdomen for any signs of pain or tenderness. Additional laboratory tests can include a fecal examination for parasites or bacteria, and/or a bacterial culture to identify the exact type of infection. Depending on the results, your veterinarian might prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the condition.
Stages of Small Mammal Diarrhea
Small mammal diarrhea can be split into three stages: acute, subacute, and chronic.
Stage 1
Acute diarrhea is defined as sudden onset of loose or watery stools that occur within 1-2 days. It’s usually caused by a virus or bacteria, parasites, or dietary changes. Symptoms of acute diarrhea can include frequent defecation, straining during defecation, and possible bloody stools.
Stage 2
Subacute diarrhea is usually caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasites that have been present for at least 3 days. Symptoms can include frequent loose or watery stools, straining during defecation, and possible bloody stools.
Stage 3
Chronic diarrhea is defined as frequent loose or watery stools that have been present for more than 14 days.
Treating Small Mammal Diarrhea
Treating small mammal diarrhea will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, dietary changes and/or supplements could be recommended to get your pet’s digestive system back in balance. Medications such as antibiotics or anti-diarrheal drugs could be prescribed. If parasites are determined to be the cause of the diarrhea, anthelmintics (anti-parasite medication) will also be prescribed.
It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s advice and stick with any recommended treatment plan to ensure a successful outcome. It’s important to monitor your small mammal’s drinking habits and get immediate veterinary care if they become dehydrated.
Preventing Small Mammal Diarrhea
There are several steps you can take to help prevent your small mammal from developing diarrhea. Some tips for preventing diarrhea include:
- Feed them a balanced diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and high quality pellets.
- Store their food in a sealed container and dispose of any uneaten food daily to avoid contamination.
- Clean their cages and litter boxes frequently.
It’s important to create a safe and healthy environment for your small mammal in order to prevent or reduce the risk of diarrhea. Make sure their cage is clean and free from debris, change bedding frequently, and give them fresh water daily. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling your small mammal in order to reduce the risk of infection. You might also want to consider having your pet vaccinated against common illnesses such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus to help protect them from serious diseases.