Print

Bacterial Infection (Yersinia Pseudotuberculosis) in Hamsters

Pseudotuberculosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, which is transmitted through contact with food, bedding, and other material that is contaminated with feces of wild birds or rodents. Unfortunately, pseudotuberculosis usually leads to blood poisoning in hamsters. Moreover, it is contagious to humans, so any hamsters with the disease -- or hamsters that have come into contact with them -- must be euthanized. To prevent the spread of pseudotuberculosis, maintain proper sanitation in the hamster's living area.

Symptoms

In addition to extreme weight loss with persistent diarrhea and swollen lymph nodes in the neck or shoulder, the pseudotuberculosis infection may eventually spread to hamster's the bloodstream, which is fatal. Your pet may even die suddenly without showing symptoms.

Causes

Hamsters are exposed to the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis bacteria, which is responsible for pseudotuberculosis, when the feces of infected wild birds or rodents get into their food or drinking water.

Diagnosis

After noting signs and symptoms commonly associated with pseudotubercolisis, your veterinarian will conduct several diagnostic procedures. However, a diagnosis is typically confirmed during a post-mortem examination, where a degeneration of the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, lungs, gallbladder, and intestinal walls are verified.