Small mammals are a wide range of animals, including hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats. All of these small mammals can suffer from diarrhea at some point in their lives and it is important to be aware of the symptoms to get your pet the help they need. Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, diet, parasites, and infections. If your pet has any of the symptoms listed above it’s important to take them to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diarrhea can have many causes and the best way to determine the cause is through a physical examination, laboratory tests, and radiographs.
Symptoms of Small Mammal Diarrhea
Symptoms of Diarrhea can vary depending on the underlying cause, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Watery or mucus-filled stools
- Weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
Other signs to look out for include vomiting, abdominal pain and bloating. If your pet has any of these symptoms it’s important to take them to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnosing Small Mammal Diarrhea
Diagnosing diarrhea can be a difficult task due to the variety of causes. The best way to determine the cause is through a physical examination, laboratory tests, and radiographs. During the physical examination, your veterinarian will check for signs of dehydration and take vital signs such as temperature, heart rate and respiration. They can also perform a fecal exam to check for parasites or infection. Laboratory tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical profile can help determine if there are any underlying issues that could be contributing to their diarrhea. Radiographs could also be taken to look for any structural abnormalities in their gastrointestinal tract.
Stages of Small Mammal Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be divided into three stages: acute, chronic, and recurrence.
Stage 1
Acute Diarrhea is associated with watery stools that occur suddenly and last from 1-2 days.
Stage 2
Chronic Diarrhea is defined as recurring diarrhea that lasts for more than two weeks.
Stage 3
Recurring Diarrhea is when the symptoms of diarrhea come back after a period of improvement.
Treating Small Mammal Diarrhea
Treating Diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, supportive care such as fluids and electrolytes may be enough to help your pet recover. Your veterinarian could also recommend medications to treat parasites, infections or any other underlying issues. If your pet is suffering from chronic diarrhea, a change in their diet may be necessary to reduce discomfort and improve their symptoms. Probiotics and prebiotics can be recommended to aid with digestion and improve the amount of beneficial bacteria in their gut.
It’s important to take your pet to a veterinarian if they have any signs of diarrhea, because it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. With proper diagnosis and treatment, your pet can return to their normal, healthy state.
Preventing Small Mammal Diarrhea
The best way to prevent Diarrhea is to ensure that your pet has a balanced diet, has access to clean water, and lives in a stress-free environment. It’s also important to monitor their weight and keep them up to date on vaccinations. If you notice any unusual symptoms it’s important to take them to the veterinarian for evaluation.